Political Logics of Anticorruption Efforts in Asia

Examines the political dynamics behind anticorruption efforts in Asia.

Focusing on Northeast and Southeast Asia-regions notable for political diversity, difficult environments for fighting corruption, and multifarious anticorruption outcomes-this book examines the political dynamics behind anticorruption efforts there. The contributors present case studies of the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and China that explore the varying roles anticorruption efforts play in solidifying or disputing democratic and nondemocratic institutions and legitimacy, as well as the broader political and economic contexts that gave rise to these efforts. Whether motivated by private interests, party loyalty, or political institutionalization, political actors shape the trajectories of anticorruption efforts by challenging their opponents over what constitutes corruption, what enables corruption, and how to combat corruption. Arguing that anticorruption strategy may be associated more closely with shifting bases of regime legitimacy than with regime type, the book sheds light on the divergent ways in which states control and respond to political elites and society at large, and on how citizens from across strata understand and engage with their states.

Cheng Chen is Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Her books include The Return of Ideology: The Search for Regime Identities in Postcommunist Russia and China and The Prospects for Liberal Nationalism in Post-Leninist States. Meredith L. Weiss is Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Her many books include Student Activism in Malaysia: Crucible, Mirror, Sideshow and Protest and Possibilities: Civil Society and Coalitions for Political Change in Malaysia.