Export-Oriented Industrialization and Democratization in South Korea
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
The export-oriented industrialization (EOI) policy of South Korea has achieved a considerable success. Driven mainly by exports, the economic growth of South Korea succeeded in transferring it from an impoverished war-torn nation to a prosperous one. The aim of this study is to answer the following research question: to what extent did EOI policies affect South Korea’s economic development and democratization? The study argues that the EOI was the not only the main driver of South Korea’s progress - through achieving trade balance, economic and industrialization development- but it also boosted the democratization process in South Korea. While employing the assumptions of the economic neoliberal theory, the study examines the effect of EOI policies on economic development and democratization in South Korea during the last decade. In doing this, the study shall explain the challenges to South Korea’s economic development and democratization as well as offer some policy alternatives to tackle them.
Recommended Citation
Khodary, Y. and Ibrahim, S. (2024), Export-Oriented Industrialization and Democratization in South Korea, Asian Perspectives. Issue 13, 47:62.