Transition to democracy in an authoritarian regime: A case study of South Korea.
Item
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Title
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Transition to democracy in an authoritarian regime: A case study of South Korea.
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Identifier
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AAI9029924
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identifier
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9029924
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Creator
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Chung, Eun Sung.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Kenneth P. Erickson
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Date
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1990
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Political Science, General | History, Asia, Australia and Oceania | Sociology, Industrial and Labor Relations
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Abstract
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The dissertation investigates the dynamic characteristics of South Korea's transition to democracy. After defining basic concepts such as democracy, and examining the theoretical aspects of democratic transition, it describes a short history of South Korea with emphasis on the regime transitions in 1960-1961, 1979-1980, and 1987-1988 which were also significant opportunities for the country to move towards democracy. The first two transitions miscarried; the third one was successful. Various factors are responsible. This study examines such factors as socio-economic development, political culture and external influences, and how these factors promote and impeded the democratization of the country. The analysis of these factors is useful for a better understanding of conditions for democratic transition, but does not explain why these changes occur at a particular time. Later, therefore, the research turns to a genetic approach. It analyzes the dynamic aspects of South Korea's regime transitions as follows: (1) actors who directly seek to affect the transition process, for example, the ruling elites and their opposition; (2) the values and interests of these groups; (3) how they affect the actual processes of democratization. These processes are divided into five stages: the decline of legitimacy; the loss of self-confidence within the ruling bloc and its consequent disintegration; the emergence of the forces of democracy as a viable alternative; the actual transfer of political power; the consolidation of democracy. Finally, the dissertation explores the consequences of the process and the possible prospects for the future development of South Korea.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
