Author: Hahm Chaibong | Journal of Democracy

Hahm Chaibong is a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation and was formerly a professor at Yonsei University and the University of Southern California. He was also the director of the Social Science Research and Policy Division at UNESCO.

July 2008, Volume 19, Issue 3

South Korea’s Miraculous Democracy

Hahm Chaibong

Despite South Korea’s messy democratic trajectory, it has miraculously achieved consolidation. Though far from perfect, South Korea’s democracy has turned obstacles into opportunities for reform and development.

July 2004, Volume 15, Issue 3

World Religions and Democracy: The Ironies of Confucianism

Hahm Chaibong

Confucianism has had a long history of involvement with the state in East Asia, but today there are reasons to think that it can become a positive force in encouraging democracy.

January 2000, Volume 11, Issue 1

The Cultural Challenge to Individualism

Hahm Chaibong

Read the full essay here.

World Religions and Democracy

Can religion be compatible with liberal democracy? This volume brings together insights from renowned scholars and world leaders in a provocative discussion of religions' role in the success or failure of democracy.