Doh C. Shin: Democratization in East Asia: How Much Progress and What Prospects?

Of all the regions in the world today, East Asia is one of the predominantly authoritarian. Why does East Asia, which was once blessed with phenomenal economic growth, remain a region cursed with democratic underdevelopment? What are its prospects for further democratization in the near future? Are China, Singapore, and other authoritarian regimes in the region likely to become democratic in a generation, as Larry Diamond and other have argued? We will explore these questions concerning the past progress and future prospects for democratization in East Asia with the latest Third wave of the Asian Barometer Surveys conducted in 13 countries.