Community Power in a Postreform City Politics in New York City

Over the past fifteen years, South Korea has transformed itself from an authoritarian government into a new democracy with a vibrant capitalist economy. Modernization, democratization, and globalization have played important roles in this transformation, and have greatly influenced the programs and policies of Korea's Sixth Republic. Covering developments through the 2003 elections, this book shows how the South Korean government and society have been shaped not only by the dynamics of these forces, but also by their interaction with the cultural norms of a post-Confucian society. The author provides a conceptual framework and baseline for examining political developments in Korea, and offers an analysis of the factors that are transforming Korean institutions, society, and politics. He discusses the forces shaping Korea's political economy and the performance of successive ROK governments, and also highlights the challenges faced by the newly elected administration of Roh Moo Huan, the North Korean issue, and more.

Biography

Dr. Robert F. Pecorella is an associate professor in the Department of Government and Politics at St. John's University in New York. He is also professor-inresidence with the New York State Assembly Intern Program. He was a consultant on community politics to the New York City Charter Revision Commission. His work has appeared in a number of journals including Polity, Public Administration Review, and the Journal of Urban Affairs. He is a coauthor of Politics and Structure: The Essentials of American National Government.