About the book
In this ambitious and innovative study Gregg Brazinsky examines American nation building in South Korea during the Cold War. Marshaling a vast array of new American and Korean sources, he explains why South Korea was one of the few postcolonial nations that achieved rapid economic development and democratization by the end of the twentieth century. Brazinsky contends that a distinctive combination of American initiatives and Korean agency enabled South Korea’s stunning transformation. On one hand, Americans supported the emergence of a developmental autocracy that spurred economic growth in a highly authoritarian manner. On the other hand, Americans sought to encourage democratization from the bottom up by fashioning new institutions and promoting a dialogue about modernization and development.
Expanding the framework of traditional diplomatic history, Brazinsky examines not only state-to-state relations, but also the social and cultural interactions between Americans and South Koreans. He shows how Koreans adapted, resisted, and transformed American influence and promoted socioeconomic change that suited their own aspirations. Ultimately, Brazinsky argues, Koreans' capacity to tailor American institutions and ideas to their own purposes was the most important factor in the making of a democratic South Korea.
Editions of Nation Building in South Korea
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807831205
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807861813
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469604862
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807867792
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893132083
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890879806
Read an Excerpt
In this ambitious and innovative study Gregg Brazinsky examines American nation building in South Korea during the Cold War. Marshaling a vast array of new American and Korean sources, he explains why South Korea was one of the few postcolonial nations that achieved rapid economic development and democratization by the end of the twentieth century. Brazinsky contends that a distinctive combination of American initiatives and Korean agency enabled South Korea’s stunning transformation. On one hand, Americans supported the emergence of a developmental autocracy that spurred economic growth in a highly authoritarian manner. On the other hand, Americans sought to encourage democratization from the bottom up by fashioning new institutions and promoting a dialogue about modernization and development.
Expanding the framework of traditional diplomatic history, Brazinsky examines not only state-to-state relations, but also the social and cultural interactions between Americans and South Koreans. He shows how Koreans adapted, resisted, and transformed American influence and promoted socioeconomic change that suited their own aspirations. Ultimately, Brazinsky argues, Koreans' capacity to tailor American institutions and ideas to their own purposes was the most important factor in the making of a democratic South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nation Building in South Korea about?
In this ambitious and innovative study Gregg Brazinsky examines American nation building in South Korea during the Cold War. Marshaling a vast array of new American and Korean sources, he explains why South Korea was one of the few postcolonial nations that achieved rapid economic development and democratization by the end of the twentieth century. Brazinsky contends that a distinctive combination of American initiatives and Korean agency enabled South Korea’s stunning transformation. On one hand, Americans supported the emergence of a developmental autocracy that spurred economic growth in a highly authoritarian manner. On the other hand, Americans sought to encourage democratization from the bottom up by fashioning new institutions and promoting a dialogue about modernization and development.
Expanding the framework of traditional diplomatic history, Brazinsky examines not only state-to-state relations, but also the social and cultural interactions between Americans and South Koreans. He shows how Koreans adapted, resisted, and transformed American influence and promoted socioeconomic change that suited their own aspirations. Ultimately, Brazinsky argues, Koreans' capacity to tailor American institutions and ideas to their own purposes was the most important factor in the making of a democratic South Korea.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Nation Building in South Korea?
History and Archaeology > History > Asian history
Where can I read a sample of Nation Building in South Korea?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807831205
How long is Nation Building in South Korea and how many pages does it have?
Nation Building in South Korea has 328 page(s)
Is Nation Building in South Korea part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series New Cold War History
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Nation Building in South Korea?
Gregg A. Brazinsky
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Nation Building in South Korea is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807831205) and paperback(ISBN 9780807861813) and ebook(ISBN 9781469604862) and ebook(ISBN 9780807867792) and ebook(ISBN 9798893132083) and pdf(ISBN 9798890879806)
Where can I buy Nation Building in South Korea online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Nation Building in South Korea from below
Where can I buy Nation Building in South Korea?