Authoritarian Modernism in East Asia is a new book written by Professor Mark THOMPSON, Professor and Head in Department of Asian and International Studies, City University of Hong Kong.

Following Barrington Moore Jr., the book questions modernisation theory’s claim that an advanced economy with extensive social differentiation is incompatible with authoritarian rule. Authoritarian modernism in East Asia (Northeast and Southeast Asia) has been characterised by economically reformist but politically conservative leaders who have attempted to learn the “secrets” of authoritarian rule in modern society. They demobilise civil society while endeavoring to establish an “ethical” form of rule and claim reactionary culturalist legitimation. With China, East Asia is home to the most important country in the world today that is rapidly modernising while attempting to remain authoritarian.

------------------------------------------------

Authoritarian Modernism in East Asia
By Professor Mark R. Thompson
Professor and Head
Department of Asian and International Studies
City University of Hong Kong

ISBN: 9781137511669 (Hardcover)
Published by Palgrave Macmillan US, 2019