'Defenders of Asian values are wrong to claim that democracy and Confucianism are incompatible. Yet modernization theorists are also wrong to think that economic development inevitably leads to widespread support for liberal democracy. Drawing on a wealth of empirical research, Doh Chull Shin shows that the Confucian legacy of paternalistic meritocracy informs a strong popular preference for nonliberal democracy in East Asia. This book will shape the debate on democratization in East Asia for years to come.' Daniel A. Bell, Jiaotong University and Tsinghua University

'To what extent does a distinctive Confucian culture exist - and is it incompatible with democracy? In this thoughtful and well-informed analysis of empirical evidence from many countries, Doh Shin argues convincingly that a distinctive Confucian culture does exist - but that it is not necessarily incongruent with democracy. Most Asians (including most Chinese) have a positive view of democracy, but the Confucian legacy has a strong influence on how people understand it and is likely to influence any type of democracy that emerges.' Ronald F. Inglehart, University of Michigan

'Based on solid and rigorous research, Shin's work will inspire more research on East Asia, particularly on how its culture and political institutions interact to shape the destiny of their political future. The book will be a 'must' read for any informed debate on Asian values for many years to come.' Journal of Contemporary Asia