Japan and the Enemies of Open Political Science argues that Eurocentric blindness is a scientific failing, not a moral one. In a way true of no other political system, Japan's greatness has the potential to enliven and reform almost all the main branches of Western Political Science. David Williams criticizes ... more »

This book shows that Taiwan, unlike other countries, avoided serious economic disruption and social conflict, and arrived at its goal of multi-party competition with little blood shed. Nonetheless, this survey reveals that for those who imagine democracy to be the panacea for every social, economic and ... more »

Challenging and contemporary, this collection of essays examines the processes which have transformed underdeveloped countries into full-blown consumer societies. These essays give the first detailed analysis of consumerism within East and South-East Asia and contain case studies from Malaysia, Hong ... more »

What do the Japanese really want their diplomacy to achieve for them? Are they content to be subordinate partners in alliance with the US? What is behind all of their disputes about the nature of their 'international contribution'? What do they mean by a 'UN-centred foreign policy'? Why is the miserably ... more »

South Korea underwent rapid economic development under a semi-military, virulently anti-communist government which banned trade unions and kept close checks on the economy. President Roe Tae Woo has, however, since 1987, introduced electoral and social reforms. Strikes and wage rises have followed, leading ... more »

Based on themes such as status and welfare, Old Age examines the role of the elderly in history. This empirical study represents a substantial contribution to both the historical understanding of old age in past societies as well as the discussion of the contribution of post-modernism to historical scholarship ... more »

This book is a comprehensive overview of politics in Singapore since self-governance. The authors examine how this tiny island has developed into a global financial centre and an economic and social success under the leadership of the People's Action Party which has ruled continuously since 1959. The ... more »