Joseph Wong: The Path to Democracy in Asia

TPL and Toronto Metropolitan University presents professor of political science at the University of Toronto, Joseph Wong in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia, at Toronto Reference Library's Appel Salon space.

Over the past century, Asia has transformed by rapid economic growth, industrialization and urbanization–a spectacular record of development that turned one of the world’s poorest regions into one of its richest. Many believed that such powerful socioeconomic transformations would encourage a transition to democracy.

Yet while some countries have democratized, most notably Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, others remain far more autocratic, from Singapore and Cambodia and Vietnam.

What explains these important variations? Why do some autocracies in Asia lose power while others do not? And what are the prospects for democracy in China given these lessons?

The distinguished political scientist Joseph Wong examines these questions in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia.

Question and answer session and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

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Read More:

About Joseph Wong

About Sanjay Ruparelia

Read

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About the series:

On the Frontlines of Democracy is a new public lecture series to analyze its prospects in the twenty-first century. Around the world, democracies face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect our constitutional democracies in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement and empower public institutions to renew the promise of collective self-rule? And what can Canada offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy, in a spirit of mutual learning, in our post-western world?______________________________________________________________________________________________

This event is part of our On Civil Society series, where we host local and international authors, activists and academics in conversation about the most critical topics of our time. Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid.

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Note: This is an in-person event at The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, the premiere event space for Toronto Public Library’s cultural and heritage programming located on the second floor of the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street).

Arrive early, meet people. The talk starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we'll have a cash bar with a selection of beer and wine, as well as sandwiches and snacks.

Reminder! We oversell these events to make sure that most people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets are only guaranteed until 15 minutes before the show starts, at which point we will start opening up available spots to the rush line.

This event will not be live streamed but the replay will be made available to watch on TPL’s YouTube channel.

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Accessibility at Toronto Public Library

We are committed to making our content accessible to as many Torontonians as possible. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email [email protected]

Host or Publisher Toronto Public Library