7. Political Systems in East Asia

Study

Chapter 7 focuses principally on China, Japan, and Taiwan. Politics in this region—often referred to "East Asia"—is as diverse and complex as that in other vast regions, such as Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East, if not more so. As a basis for understanding politics in East Asia, the chapter suggests that one commonality of political life is the influence of the past and the fact the region's current political systems are all built on the foundations of other systems. Consequently, to differing degrees each country is in an ongoing process of state building. The current Japanese political system has its origins in a post–World War II political transformation. Politics in Taiwan reflects a more recent democratic transition, and in China, a small cadre of Communist Party leaders are trying to manage the transformation of their country's economy and the political consequences of economic change.

Beyond the obvious fact that it is a country of enormous geographic, demographic, and economic proportions, China is perhaps the most influential system in the region because of the continuing influence of Confucianism in many Asian societies. Among the implications of Confucian thought for social dynamics in the region is the importance of hierarchy in social relations and political culture. Thus, in the modern and changing societies of China, Japan, and Taiwan, Confucian ideas help to define the appropriate relationship and mutual obligations between the ruling political elite and mass publics.

Review Questions

After reading chapter 7, students should be able to answer the following questions:

  1. How does a belief system such as Confucianism, which developed in China during the fifth century BCE, continue to influence society and politics in East Asia?


  2. Describe the role of the Communist Party in the political system of the People's Republic of China (PRC).


  3. How have political leaders in the People's Republic of China (PRC) attempted to manage the dual challenge of both economic and political change in China during the last two decades?


  4. Describe the historical relationship between Taiwan and China, and explain the process of political change occurring in Taiwan during the last several decades.


  5. How did the Japanese defeat in World War II alter the political structure of the Japanese political system?