Routledge Human Rights and Asian Values: Contesting National Identities and Cultural Representations in Asia: 6 (Democracy in Asia)

The Asian challenge to the universality of human rights has sparked off intense debate. This volume takes a clear stand for universal rights, both theoretically and empirically, by analysing social and political processes in a number of East and Southeast Asian countries. On the national arenas, Asian values are linked to the struggle between authoritarian and democratic forces, which both tend to convey stereotyped images of the 'west', but with reversed meanings. Review 'The book presents interesting new perspectives on the human rights questions, first and foremost by bringing the discussion down to the participants in Asian societies and focusing on how these so-called coherent values are developed and defined locally.' - Journal of Peace Research'All essays in the volume are of good quality ... this volume of essays makes a significant contribution to the urgent and continuing effort to articulate and defend the universal principles of human rights.' - Asian Journal of Political Science' ... the observation by someof these authors that an examination of Asian values leads us to understand ourselves better should now be taken very seriously ... this book offers a timely reminder that pride goes before a fall. It makes essential reading.' - Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol. 57:1