Korean democracy in transition: a rational blueprint for developing societies

In: Asia in the new millennium

Abstract

As Asian countries emerge as global economic powers, many undergo fundamental political transformations. In Korean Democracy in Transition: A Rational Blueprint for Developing Societies, HeeMin Kim evaluates the past thirty years of political change in South Korea, including the decision of the authoritarian government to open up the political process in 1987 and the presidential impeachment of 2004. Kim uses rational choice theory-which holds that individuals choose to act in ways that they think will give them the most benefit for the least cost-to explain events central to South Korea's demo