Introduction

At the end of the twentieth century, democracy appeared the dominant trend in western and east-central Europe, in the Americas and increasingly in the Asia Pacific region.1 Interest in the causes and patterns associated with this trend led several scholars to reconsider the international context of the phenomenon. A number of scholars undertook studies to assess the international dimension of democratization in Europe and the Americas.2

This evolving body of literature suggests that the impact of the international context upon regime change is growing and is more significant than was formerly thought. As yet, however, comprehensive consideration of the international dimension of democratization has not been given to countries within East Asia.3 This book attempts to remedy this deficit.4