|
|
|
Sort Order |
|
|
|
Items / Page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Srl | Item |
| 1 |
ID:
081709
|
|
|
|
|
| Publication |
2008.
|
| Summary/Abstract |
Elections are the hallmark of democracy. In this article the author critically examines the election of delegates to the Beijing People's Congress in 1993, 1998, and 2003 as a case study of the present stage of electoral reforms in China. The Chinese have moved toward democratic principles in elections, introducing secret ballots and allowing multiple candidates to run for office. However, political elites still select which candidates can and cannot run for office and, to a lesser extent, the outcome of the elections. The Chinese public embraces democracy, but they still harbor traditional values that undermine the realization of democratic ideals. The Beijing elections demonstrate the degree that elections are embedded in Chinese society and the difficulties of electoral reforms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
ID:
081711
|
|
|
|
|
| Publication |
2008.
|
| Summary/Abstract |
Separatist violence in Thailand's southern provinces has claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people since January 2004 and represents the kingdom's-arguably the region's-most serious security threat. The underlying causes of the violence stem from the Thai state's annexation of the Patani Kingdom in 1902 and subsequent efforts by Bangkok to coerce Malay Muslims into becoming Thai Muslims. Poor governance, maladministration, and political and economic marginalization have exacerbated feelings of resentment toward Bangkok. The proximate causes of the upsurge in violence in January 2004 include changes in the international environment post-September 11, 2001 and the political initiatives of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. State responses under Thaksin were deeply flawed and served only to inflame separatist sentiment. After the September 19, 2006 coup, the new government adopted a more conciliatory approach, emphasizing national reconciliation and improved governance. The military regime was unable to stem the violence, however, as it failed to follow through on rhetoric and the government became preoccupied with national politics. Without a comprehensive political solution to the problem, one that includes genuine autonomy for the south, the violence looks set to continue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3 |
ID:
081710
|
|
|
|
|
| Publication |
2008.
|
| Summary/Abstract |
Uyghur Muslim violence in Xinjiang, China, has two justifications-ethnic separatism and religious rhetoric. The Uyghurs, who reside throughout the immediate region, are the largest Turkic ethnic group living in Xinjiang and are overwhelmingly Muslim. This combination of ethnicity and religion also involves the movement of religious and political ideologies, weapons, and people. There is no single Uyghur agenda. Groups that use violence desire a separate Uyghur state. While some Uyghurs want a separate state, others want to maintain cultural distinction within an autonomous relationship with China, and others are integrating into the Chinese system
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|