Beginning of democratization in Korean society

There was authoritarian regime in the Republic of Korea until 1987. Democratization process - a process of political and social chang-ings aimed to transition from an authoritarian regime to a democracy, include people's involvement in the political process and transition from an authoritarian government to a government, elected by free, open and honest voting, started in 1988 and ended in 1993. In the article analyzing the factors, influenced on start of democratization in the Republic of Korea, the analysis based on researching of Samuel P. Huntington "The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century". In this work author analyzed and research history and mechanisms of democratic processes. The factors, influenced on start of democratization process, include economic development -hard government intervention in the economy resulted in deteriorating competitive, requirement for economic liberalization arose. Authoritarianism fit for start development of the Korean economy, it let focused all power and sources on realization one strategy and achievement of the goals. But than way minimal intervention of state on economy become more effective. Support for democracy by political elite directly related to need of legitimation of power. At the end of authoritarian regime of Chun Doo-hwan the government had low legitimacy, citizens of the Republic of Korea wanted democratic changes. President Roh Tae-woo, elected in 1988, realized it and between repression of protests and democratic reforms he choose second way. On his decision influenced lack of consensus on political and social values is the society, expressed in labor strikes and students demonstration. The combination of opposition political parties, labour activism, and student dissent challenging the authoritarian state has had two major effects: on the one side breakdown of civil order and strikes, on the other side - a positive effect for democratization process, because government faced with requirements and real actions in support of democracy. Influence of external actor, especially USA and Reagan administration had positive effect also. Social changes influenced on increasing of social activity and people's involvement in the political process. Changes in religion and popularization of Christianity in the Republic of Korea, which representatives openly supported democracy, also influenced positively. Also, external actors, especially USA and Reagan administration influenced on political process in the country.

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