Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Civil society, as a political concept, has been used to discuss the recent democratic transformation in Taiwan. However, most studies do not analytically address the origins and the development of civil society. Two issues are important in employing civil society as an analytical concept to understand the political transformation in the contexts of late industrializing countries. One concerns the historicity of civil society, the uniqueness of European historical context; the other is its interdependence with the modern nation-state. Civil society is most commonly defined in terms of its interdependence and autonomy from the state, but it is also important to understand that civil society is defined and shaped by the modern political state.
This paper investigates the development of civil society in the non-western context in two distinctive areas: the introduction of ¡§civic¡¨ political culture and the development of social institutions and networks. The first section discusses the idea of civil society and summarizes the studies of civil society in the context of Asian countries. Second, this paper provides a short description of state-corporatism, opposition movements and the democratic transition in the post-WWII Taiwan. Third, this paper examines different dimensions of civil society in Taiwan and their interrelationships. This analysis demonstrates that the development of civil society in Taiwan occurred though the interactions between state-corporatism and rising social forces. Finally, this paper explores some unique characteristics of civil society in Taiwan in a comparative perspective and points out some remaining problems in the era of democratic consolidation.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper asks how prestige is assigned to different goods, actions, and achievements in the international arena. In other words, what makes something ?prestigious? and therefore worthy of diplomatic, political, even military competition? It explores different theoretical approaches to ?prestige norms? ? essentially the status symbols of the international system. Four main perspectives are evaluated. The first is a strict materialist approach, reflecting a number of basic assumptions found in many Realist/Neorealist/Neoliberal IR theories. The second and third are ideational approaches that draw from different strands within the constructivist tradition in IR theory. And the fourth is a variant of materialism, based in part upon insights from a ?historical materialist? interpretation of Rousseau?s work on ?amour propre? in domestic society. In addition to these theoretical avenues, the paper also discusses how competing theories of prestige norms might be tested against each other. Potential empirical research directions are examined with the hope of arriving at more broadly applicable claims of interest to academics and policy makers alike.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In social theory, not least of the European variety, we find the notion that the classical concept of “societies” (in the plural) should be replaced by the concept of “world society”. “Methodological nationalism” is out. The “x society” (where x stands for a country variable: American, French, Germany) is a parochial concept, smacking of Parsonianism or modernization theory with all its well known sins. Transnationalism is in. Global perspectives are in. The paper argues that these juxtapositions beg very important questions. It argues that “societies” are still real and important entities, and that the classical notion of “a” society is still analytically useful. Empirically there are many indications that national boundaries still matter, not only in the political realm. And the concept of “a” society directs attention to important aspects of social integration and possible synergies as well as frictions between different parts of a social whole. “Integration”, however, is another suspicious term. But it can be reformulated as differentiated analytical tool, thereby providing a theoretical perspective on some basic questions about social order and disorder.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Democratic consolidation has been linked to the construction of a strong civil society. New studies suggest that when dealing with civil society it is important to determine not only its density but also its ability to participate in policy-making. In addition, groups and associations claim that, through media support, they are better able to consolidate their actions and impact in their social context. Drawing from agenda setting; and framing theories we explore the degree to which the media contributes to this process through a discourse that reflects the density and/or ability approach. Using content analysis from print media in Barranquilla, Colombia – a city that reflects key dimensions of Colombia’s civil conflict - from 2000 to 2006, focal groups with media representatives, and interviews with leaders of civil society groups and associations, we seek to identify recommendations for improved media coverage and policy recommendations for groups and associations that will strengthen civil society organizations' contribution to democracy in developing countries faced with social and political unrest.