Comparing Asian Politics: India, China, And Japan - Softcover

Charlton, Sue Ellen

9780813385853: Comparing Asian Politics: India, China, And Japan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813385857 ISBN 13: 9780813385853

Publisher: Westview Press, 1997

Comparing Asian Politics presents an unusual comparative examination of politics and government in three Asian nations: India, China, and Japan. Sue Ellen Charlton artfully points out both the unique and shared features of politics in these Asian countries. The author elucidates the links between politics and each nation's distinctive cultural and historical contexts and, at the same time, demonstrates the intermingling and grafting of Asian traditions with the influence of Western values and institutions.National identity, political cohesion, and socioeconomic change emerge as central to how politics has developed in each nation-state. Charlton provides insight into such topics as the significance of constitutions in the political process; the parliamentary system in Asia; the regionalization of politics and the importance of levels of government; the decay of one-party rule; state authority; and the development of grassroots politics. Selected public policy questions for each country are introduced early in the book in order to acquaint readers with political controversies that are important both domestically and internationally. Often these focus on the role of ethnic minorities, women, and regional groups in Asian political processes.Unlike many comparative studies, this book not only illuminates the politics of India, China, and Japan in relation to one another, it also suggests to readers how their own experience of politics can be informed by understanding the politics and government of these three Asian nations.

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About the Author:

Sue Ellen M. Charlton is professor of political science at Colorado State University where she teaches courses in comparative politics, international relations, and international development.

Review:

"This is a valuable resource for students studying Asian politics at the college level. It displays sensitivity to the influence of culture and history on contemporary politics, directs attention both to comparative analysis and the implications of globalization, and shows how the examination of Asian politics raises questions about Euro-American assumptions. Superb pictures, useful tables, and notes on books and films for further exploration enrich this well-written text."
—Jana Everett, University of Colorado Denver

"The great appeal of Comparing Asian Politics for an undergraduate classroom is its truly comparative approach. With an engaging style, Charlton emphasizes important regional themes through interwoven case studies of three important Asian countries. She emphasizes historical and cultural contexts in her analysis of contemporary political dynamics and dilemmas. Consequently, readers see linkages between regional and national phenomena and patterns across time—excellent training for the undergraduate students of politics."
—Kimberly Lanegran, Coe College

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