ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book focuses on how the configurations of three boundaries that define modern society, nation and civilization constitute the state-based order in Northeast Asia. It demonstrates that each of the three boundaries has over the last two decades been reconstructed if not reinforced in ways which aim at the shoring up of ideals reminiscent of the modern state as it emerged during the respective phases of industrialization. In short, the Chinese, Japanese and South Korean states proved to be very powerful and capable of transforming societies top-down while maintaining political unity. The deconstruction of discursively erected boundaries inevitably implies the qualification of hitherto celebrated achievements of post-war state building. It has become apparent that the Chinese, Japanese and South Korean governments have over the last years moved in a similar direction: to the strengthening of the central state.
