As recently as the mid-20th century, East Asia seemed to be a region of impoverished agrarian societies stuck in their traditional ways. However, what unfolded over the next seventy years completely redefined the limits of the possible. Today, the region stands as one of the primary global hubs of economy, technology, and culture—without which the modern world is simply unimaginable.
This tectonic shift is often dubbed a "miracle." Yet, behind any miracle lie concrete strategies, cold calculation, and unique cultural codes. How did yesterday's peasants build cutting-edge megacities in just a couple of generations? What role did simple wet-rice farming play in shaping a unique work ethic, and why did Confucian values prove to be the perfect fuel for a capitalist leap?
East Asian modernization almost always went hand in hand with harsh authoritarianism, yet it unfolded across two entirely different scenarios:
"White" modernization (South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore) — the path of Western-oriented countries. Officially, they proclaimed themselves liberal democracies, but in practice, they were ruled with an iron fist for decades.
"Red" modernization (China, Vietnam) — the path of states that remained loyal to socialist flags and communist parties, but effectively built highly efficient market capitalism.
Every grand success comes with a price. What was the toll of this rapid leap on East Asian societies? What severe challenges do they face today, and what does the near future hold for the region? We will discuss all of this at our lecture.
After the lecture:
— Q&A session (ask your most interesting questions!)
Andrei Lankov is a Russian historian, Orientalist, and a leading global expert on North Korea. He holds a Doctor of Historical Sciences degree and is a professor at Kookmin University in Seoul. He is the author of numerous books and articles on the politics, history, and culture of the Korean Peninsula. Lankov is frequently featured in international media as an expert on North Korea's domestic and foreign policy.
When: August 14 at 19:00
Where: Insight Place
Recommended for ages 14+.
The lecture will be held in Russian.
Insight Place • Soi Had Surin 8 60-63, 83110 Tambon Choeng Thale, Chang Wat Phuket, Thailand
