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Description of  Confucian Sentimental Representation: A New Approach to Confucian Democracy (Routledge Innovations in Political Theory)

Kwon conceptualizes a unique mode of political representation in East Asian society, which derives its moral foundation from Confucian virtue politics. Contemporary East Asian societies understand democracy differently than Western societies do. Even citizens in consolidated democracies such as Taiwan and South Korea have different conceptions of an ideal relationship between a political leader and ordinary citizens, as well as a political leaders accountability and political legitimacy. A political leaders proper conduct, including his or her everyday languages, behaviors, and expressions when facing citizens sorrow, anger, and resentment, plays a crucial role in evaluating whether he or she has political legitimacy in East Asian society. Kwon analyses how this affective accountability forms the basis for political representation in these societies and examines how this can be reconciled with liberal democracy. Read more