Reactionary Politics in South Korea: Historical Legacies, Far-Right Intellectuals, and Political Mobilization (Cambridge Studies in Contentious Politics)

Product description Review 'A brilliant study of the rise of the South Korean right-wing, on a quite different path than the globalization and economic dislocation that spurred the far-right in the West. This nuanced, engrossing, and important book deserves attention by scholars, students, and readers interested in East Asia and the trajectory of modern politics.' Kathleen Blee, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, University of Pittsburgh'A critical addition to the literature on the far right - this timely and well-written analysis of the South Korean case fills a key gap in our understanding of the transnational nature of the far right. An essential read for anyone who wants to understand the global nature of far-right politics, organizations, and mobilization.' Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Founding Director, Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL), American University'Reactionary Politics in South Korea offers fresh insight into a global phenomenon through the lens of an underexplored national context. The far right is not the same everywhere, contends Yang, and we need to understand both the global and local aspects. The book is imbued simultaneously with a cosmopolitan sensibility while also displaying sensitivity to local conditions and meanings. Yang explicates the powerful forces behind South Korea's far right and, with remarkable empathy, traces the circumstances and ideas that have led far-right followers to their political orientation. Reactionary Politics is the sort of careful analysis that enriches our knowledge of a troubling issue of worldwide significance.' Erik Mobrand, Associate Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University Book Description Compelling analysis of the on-the-ground, internal dynamics of far-right actors in South Korea, examining their communities and worldviews. About the Author Myungji Yang is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. As a political sociologist, her research interests include state-society relations, authoritarianism, and democracy. She is the author of From Miracle to Mirage: The Making and Unmaking of the Korean Middle Class, 1960–2015 (2018). Read more