Asian nations tolerate, and even support, dynastic succession

Story Summary

To the extent that culture matters in politics, the recent spate of leadership changes in Northeast Asia suggests that Asian societies are more tolerant – if not supportive – of dynastic succession. South Korea’s recently elected president, Park Geun-hye, is the daughter of Park Chung Hee, who ruled the country from 1961 to 1979 . China’s incoming president, Xi Jinping, is the son of Xi Zhongxun, a former vice premier. Japan’s new prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is the grandson and grandnephew of two former Japanese prime ministers, and the son of a former foreign minister.

President Benigno Aquino III of the Philippines is the son of former President Corazon Aquino.

In Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – son of President Asif Ali Zardari and assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and grandson of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – recently made his political debut.

Consider the checkered record of former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Her father was a respected president; yet she could well be remembered as one of the country’s most corrupt.

Again, dynastic succession does not ensure success.

Though unlikely, his Barisan Nasional coalition could fall apart. No such prospect faced his predecessors.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Commentary/2013/Jan-10/201572-asian-nations-tolerate-and-even-support-dynastic-succession.ashx#ixzz2Hbd4SVXA
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)