Author Archive
Hani Says “Don’t Be Fooled” by False Political Divides
The distorted divide in South Korea between left and right, conservative and progressive, shields a far more pronounced divide between the forces of democracy and… something else. A recent Hankyoreh column, deconstructed by Steven Denney.
Chosun Ilbo “Debates” the Production of History
The imbroglio over school history education continues apace in South Korea, with Prime Minister Jung weighing into the debate on November 5. Steven Denney keeps us abreast of things.
Forget about the “Trustpolitik,” Let’s Talk Won
Trust can come in many forms, but in Korea there is a serious lack of it. According to Professor Jin Jingyi of Peking University, the key is to transit away from futile attempts to foster political trust, and onto an “economics-first,” or “trusteconomik” if you prefer, approach. Steven Denney explains.
The Strength to Concede in Developmental Asia
Do autocrats cede power to democracy when in fear of the alternative, or is there an alternative hypothesis: that strength increases the likelihood of democratization? East Asian case studies give food for thought. Let Steven Denney be your guide.
History, Textbooks, and “Truth” in South Korea
National histories are far too contentious as it is, without entrusting their construction to the forces of state authority. In South Korea, where ideological and intellectual freedom are highly contingent, the latest episode in a recurrent controversy over school textbooks makes the point.
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