ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a deeper look at the issue of parliamentary representation of women and what it means – or does not mean – for peace and security. It explores the proposition that in East Asia communism is the driving factor behind both the high representation of women and the avoidance of intrastate armed conflict. The chapter aims to find that the communist regime type and higher levels of female representation in parliament in East Asia are so closely related to each other that it is difficult to statistically distinguish one effect from the other. Although the communist regimes contributed to an increase in women’s participation in education, the labour force and politics, women were not in a position to use these resources once a new polity emerged. The chapter explains the theoretical reasons for expecting communist regimes to also be particularly effective in avoiding open rebellion.
