Freedoms under challenge in democratic East Asia
Brad Williams says attempts by the conservative political elite in Japan and South Korea to roll back hard-won rights are unworthy of these developed societies
Northeast Asia lies at the heart of the region’s remarkable economic rise. East Asia’s most vibrant democracies are also located here. However, recent regional tensions and increasing inequality have combined to embolden illiberal politics, with developments in Japan and South Korea causing particular concern.
In both countries, the attempts to undermine democracy by conservative political elites have been met with large-scale protests – itself a positive indicator of democratic development
The latter law grants the government powers to imprison whistle-blowers and prohibits the disclosure of classified information, even if intended to protect the public interest. Local civil society groups have criticised the law for undermining the freedom of the press and the right to know – essential elements of a democratic society.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has also promoted patriotic education and announced plans to reintroduce moral education in secondary schools, rekindling images of Japan’s wartime ultranationalism. He has also imposed new guidelines giving the state enormous control over the contents of textbooks.
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She is clearly uncomfortable with the historical legacy of her father, military strongman Park Chung-hee, yet has responded by distancing herself from some aspects (reconciling with Japan) while embracing others (authoritarian tendencies).
In both countries, the attempts to undermine democracy by conservative political elite have been met with large-scale protests – itself a positive indicator of democratic development.
Nobody suggests Japan and South Korea are in full democratic retreat. However, recent events take the gloss off their substantial democratic achievements and reveal a level of domestic insecurity better associated with their giant non-democratic neighbour, China.