The Quiet Political Apathy of East Asia: Why Many East Asian People Aren’t Active in Politics

Introduction

Politics is an integral part of our society, and it refers to the activities associated with governance, decision-making, and public administration. However, in East Asia, there seems to be a trend of political apathy, with many people being disinterested and inactive in politics. This issue has been present in the region for quite some time, and it is essential to understand the reasons behind this phenomenon.

As a student studying in a Music conservatory in Germany, I have noticed that more than half of the students in my conservatory are from East Asia, including China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. However, despite being in a multicultural environment, many of my East Asian peers seem quiet in class and are not interested or active in school politics or current events happening around them.

This article aims to shed light on the reasons behind the political apathy in East Asia, and why many people in the region are not as engaged in politics compared to other parts of the world.

Through exploring cultural and historical influences, economic factors, media and information access, and a lack of trust in political institutions, this article aims to provide insights into why political apathy is prevalent in East Asia, and why it is crucial for people in the region to become more politically engaged.

Cultural and Historical Influences

Cultural norms of conformity and obedience

One of the most significant factors contributing to political apathy in East Asia is the cultural norms of conformity and obedience. In many East Asian cultures, there is a strong emphasis on group harmony and a sense of duty towards family and community, which can lead to a lack of individualism and political engagement.

In many cases, individuals may feel that their personal views and opinions are not as important as those of the group or the community, and may not prioritize political engagement as a result. Additionally, this emphasis on conformity can lead to a fear of speaking out or challenging authority, further contributing to political disengagement.

Moreover, the traditional Confucian values in East Asian cultures prioritize the stability of the society and the state, which means that individuals may not feel the need to engage in politics if they perceive the government as effective in maintaining social order and providing economic stability.

Confucius

Furthermore, the legacy of authoritarianism and the long history of civil wars, occupation, and colonization in the region has also shaped the attitudes towards politics. For example, in China, the Cultural Revolution resulted in a widespread distrust of political institutions, while in Japan, the legacy of the post-war period and the role of the United States in shaping the country’s politics has contributed to a sense of apathy towards politics.

The cultural norms of conformity and obedience in East Asian societies have contributed significantly to political apathy, as individuals may not prioritize their own political engagement over the needs of the group or the community. Moreover, the historical legacies of authoritarianism and civil wars have also shaped the attitudes towards politics, making it challenging for individuals to engage in political participation.

Historical events that have shaped attitudes towards politics

Historical events have played a significant role in shaping the attitudes towards politics in East Asia. Here are a few examples of historical events that have contributed to political apathy in the region:

Cultural Revolution in China (1966–1976)

1. Cultural Revolution in China (1966–1976): This decade-long political and social campaign in China led to widespread political purges, cultural destruction, and mass mobilization of the population, resulting in a deep distrust of political institutions and a lack of political engagement among the Chinese people.
2. Japan’s post-war period (1945–1952): After World War II, Japan was occupied by the United States, leading to a significant shift in the country’s political and economic landscape. The Japanese people became disillusioned with politics, leading to a lack of engagement in the democratic process.
3. Korean War (1950–1953): The Korean War resulted in the division of Korea into North and South, with the two countries adopting vastly different political systems. The authoritarian regime in North Korea and the constant tension between the two countries have contributed to a sense of political disengagement in South Korea.
4. The Tiananmen Square protests (1989): The student-led demonstrations in Beijing, China, were met with a brutal crackdown by the government, leading to a widespread disillusionment with political institutions and a lack of political engagement.
5. Vietnam War (1955–1975): The Vietnam War resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, leading to a lack of trust in political institutions and a sense of disillusionment with the government among the Vietnamese people.
6. The Meiji Restoration in Japan (1868): The Meiji Restoration marked a significant shift in Japan’s political and economic system, leading to a strong emphasis on industrialization and modernization. However, the government’s focus on stability and economic development over political reform has contributed to a sense of political disengagement in Japan.
7. The Korean War and the subsequent military dictatorship in South Korea (1961–1987): The military dictatorship in South Korea resulted in widespread human rights abuses and a lack of political engagement among the people.
8. The Opium Wars in China (1839–1860): The Opium Wars marked a significant shift in China’s relationship with the West, leading to a sense of disillusionment with political institutions and a lack of political engagement among the Chinese people.
9. The Taiping Rebellion in China (1850–1864): The Taiping Rebellion was a massive civil war in China that resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, contributing to a deep distrust of political institutions and a lack of political engagement.
10. The annexation of Korea by Japan (1910–1945): Japan’s annexation of Korea resulted in the suppression of Korean culture and language, leading to a sense of political disengagement among the Korean people.

Tiananmen Square protests (1989)

Historical events have played a significant role in shaping the attitudes towards politics in East Asia. The legacy of civil wars, authoritarian regimes, and colonization has contributed to a sense of disillusionment and distrust of political institutions, making it challenging for individuals to engage in political participation.Discussion of how these factors contribute to political disengagement

Economic Factors

The impact of economic development on political participation

Economic development plays a significant role in shaping political participation. In general, economic growth and prosperity can lead to increased political engagement and participation, as individuals who are financially stable and secure may be more likely to devote time and resources to political causes and campaigns.

However, the relationship between economic development and political participation is not always straightforward. For example, in some cases, economic growth can lead to a decreased need for political engagement, as individuals may feel that their economic needs are being met without the need for political involvement.

Moreover, the relationship between economic development and political participation is further complicated by the nature of the political and economic systems in East Asian countries.

Here are some examples of events in East Asia that have contributed to political disengagement in the context of economic factors:

1. Corruption scandals in South Korea (2016):

• Involvement of President Park Geun-hye in a corruption scandal
• Demonstrations calling for her impeachment
• Widespread disillusionment with political institutions and a lack of trust in politicians

Protesters shout slogans after they are blocked by riot policemen in a road nearby the presidential Blue House during their march calling South Korean President Park Geun-hye to step down in Seoul, South Korea, November 19, 2016. Credit: Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon

2. Japan’s “lost decade” (1991–2001):

• Period of economic stagnation and deflation in Japan
• Widespread disillusionment with politics and a lack of trust in politicians
• Reduced public spending and social welfare programs

3. The Asian Financial Crisis (1997–1998):

• Financial crisis that originated in Thailand and quickly spread to other Asian countries
• Resulted in widespread economic hardship and unemployment
• Contributed to a lack of trust in political institutions and a sense of disillusionment with politics

4. Corruption scandal in Taiwan (2012):

• Involvement of President Ma Ying-jeou in a corruption scandal
• Demonstrations calling for his resignation
• Contributed to a sense of disillusionment with politics and a lack of trust in political institutions

In countries such as China, economic growth has been achieved through a model of state-led capitalism, in which the government controls economic development and suppresses political dissent. This system may lead to a decreased need for political participation, as individuals may feel that the government is effectively addressing their economic needs and concerns.

You will get what I mean in this picture if you know why China banned Pooh bear….

1. The Great Leap Forward in China (1958–1962):

• An economic and social campaign led by the Chinese government
• Resulted in widespread famine and economic collapse
• Suppression of political dissent and criticism

2. The Cultural Revolution in China (1966–1976):

• A decade-long political and social campaign
• Led to widespread political purges, cultural destruction, and mass mobilization of the population
• Resulted in a deep distrust of political institutions and a lack of political engagement among the Chinese people

3. The One-Child Policy in China (1979–2015):

• Government policy limiting families to one child
• Contributed to a sense of government control over individual lives and a lack of political engagement

4. The Tiananmen Square protests in China (1989):

• Student-led demonstrations in Beijing
• Brutal government crackdown and human rights abuses
• Contributed to a sense of disillusionment with politics and a lack of trust in political institutions

5. The Hong Kong Protests (2019):

• Demonstrations in Hong Kong against a proposed extradition bill
• Suppression of political dissent and criticism by the Chinese government

6. The Tibet Conflict (1950s-present):

• Ongoing conflict between the Chinese government and Tibetan separatists
• Suppression of political dissent and criticism

7. The Xinjiang Conflict (2010s-present):

• Ongoing conflict between the Chinese government and Uyghur separatists
• Suppression of political dissent and criticism

8. The Anti-Rightist Campaign in China (1957–1959):

• A political campaign targeting intellectuals and perceived “rightists”
• Led to widespread political purges and suppression of political dissent

9. The SARS outbreak in China (2002–2004):

• A severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in China
• Government’s slow response to the crisis
• Contributed to a sense of disillusionment with politics and a lack of trust in political institutions

10. The 2008 Beijing Olympics:

• China’s hosting of the Olympic Games
• Government’s efforts to showcase China’s economic growth and development
• Contributed to a sense of government control over public image and a lack of political engagement

The 2008 Beijing Olympics

11. The Belt and Road Initiative (2013-present):

• State-led infrastructure development project in China
• Government-funded projects in foreign countries, designed to increase economic ties and expand China’s global influence
• The project has been criticized for its lack of transparency and the potential for corruption, contributing to a sense of political disengagement among the Chinese people.

Additionally, in some East Asian countries, economic growth has led to significant income inequality and a concentration of wealth in the hands of a few individuals or corporations. This concentration of power can make it challenging for individuals to feel that their voices and concerns are being heard, leading to a sense of political disengagement.

Here are some examples of the concentration of wealth and power in East Asian countries that have contributed to a sense of political disengagement:

The family members of Samsung Group visit the Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas in 2010. (Samsung Electronics)

1. Samsung in South Korea:

• Samsung Group is the largest conglomerate in South Korea, with businesses in electronics, construction, and finance.
• The Lee family, who owns Samsung, is one of the wealthiest families in the country.
• Samsung has been accused of corruption and bribery scandals, contributing to a lack of trust in corporations and a sense of political disengagement.

2. The chaebol in South Korea:

• The chaebol are large, family-owned conglomerates in South Korea, including Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.
• The chaebol have significant economic and political power in the country, contributing to a concentration of wealth and a lack of trust in political institutions.

Li Ka-Shing, one of the richest person in East Asia.

3. The Li family in Hong Kong:

• The Li family, who owns the multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, is one of the wealthiest families in Hong Kong.
• The family has been accused of monopolistic practices and contributing to income inequality in the city.

4. The wealthy elite in Singapore:

• Singapore is known for having one of the highest concentrations of wealth in the world.
• The wealthy elite in Singapore have significant economic and political power, contributing to a sense of political disengagement among the general population.

5. The keiretsu in Japan:

• The keiretsu are large, interconnected conglomerates in Japan, including Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo.
• The keiretsu have significant economic and political power in the country, contributing to a concentration of wealth and a lack of trust in political institutions.

6. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) elite in China:

• Members of the CCP elite in China have significant economic and political power.
• The CCP has been accused of corruption and abuse of power, contributing to a lack of trust in political institutions and a sense of political disengagement.

7. The oligarchs in the Philippines:

• The Philippines has a significant wealth gap, with a few families holding a significant portion of the country’s wealth.
• The oligarchs in the Philippines have significant economic and political power, contributing to a sense of political disengagement among the general population.

8. The Thai elite in Thailand:

• The Thai elite, including the monarchy, military, and wealthy businesspeople, have significant economic and political power in the country.
• The concentration of power among the Thai elite has contributed to a lack of trust in political institutions and a sense of political disengagement.

9. The zaibatsu in pre-war Japan:

• The zaibatsu were large, family-owned conglomerates in Japan, including Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo.
• The zaibatsu had significant economic and political power in pre-war Japan, contributing to a concentration of wealth and a lack of trust in political institutions.

10. The crony capitalists in Indonesia:

• In Indonesia, there is a significant concentration of power and wealth among the country’s elite.
• The country has been plagued by corruption and crony capitalism, contributing to a lack of trust in political institutions and a sense of political disengagement.

Furthermore, in some cases, economic development can exacerbate existing social and political tensions, leading to a decreased willingness to engage in the democratic process. For example, in South Korea, rapid economic growth in the 1970s and 1980s was accompanied by authoritarian rule, leading to a sense of political disengagement among the population.

Media and Information Access

Here are some examples of the role of media in shaping public opinion in East Asia, limited access to information and news sources, and the influence of government control over media outlets:

1. The Great Firewall of China (2003-present):

• China’s government controls access to the internet, including social media platforms and news outlets.
• The Great Firewall of China restricts access to information, shaping public opinion and limiting political engagement.

2. The Hong Kong protests (2019):

• Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong were met with police brutality and government censorship.
• Government control over media outlets in Hong Kong limited access to accurate and unbiased information, shaping public opinion and contributing to a sense of political disengagement.

3. The 2016 presidential election in South Korea:

• President Park Geun-hye was accused of corruption and bribery, leading to widespread demonstrations and calls for her impeachment.
• Media outlets controlled by the government were accused of biased reporting, shaping public opinion and contributing to a sense of political disengagement.

Jack Ma, Chinese bilionaire

4. The disappearance of Chinese billionaire Jack Ma (2020):

• Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group, disappeared from public view following criticism of China’s financial regulators.
• Government control over media outlets in China limited access to information about his disappearance, shaping public opinion and contributing to a lack of trust in political institutions.

5. The SARS outbreak in China (2003):

• The Chinese government initially attempted to cover up the SARS outbreak, limiting access to information about the virus.
• The government’s control over media outlets shaped public opinion and contributed to a lack of trust in political institutions.

6. The North Korean government’s control over media outlets (ongoing):

• The North Korean government controls all media outlets in the country, shaping public opinion and limiting access to accurate and unbiased information.

7. The role of social media in the Thai protests (2020):

• Pro-democracy protests in Thailand were organized and fueled by social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
• The government attempted to control access to these platforms, shaping public opinion and contributing to a sense of political disengagement.

Activists with yellow umbrellas during a gathering to mark the fourth anniversary of Umbrella Movement. Photo: Anthony Wallace, AFP

8. The 2014 Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong:

• Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong were met with police brutality and government censorship.
• Government control over media outlets in Hong Kong limited access to accurate and unbiased information, shaping public opinion and contributing to a sense of political disengagement.

9. The Japanese government’s control over media outlets during WWII (1937–1945):

• The Japanese government tightly controlled media outlets during WWII, shaping public opinion and contributing to a lack of trust in political institutions.

10. The Thai government’s control over media outlets following the 2006 military coup:

• Following the 2006 military coup in Thailand, the government tightened control over media outlets, shaping public opinion and contributing to a sense of political disengagement.

These examples illustrate the significant role that media plays in shaping public opinion and the importance of access to accurate and unbiased information for healthy democracies. Government control over media outlets, limited access to information and news sources, and biased reporting can all contribute to a lack of trust in political institutions and a sense of political disengagement among the general population.

Lack of Trust in Political Institutions

Here are some examples of the lack of trust in political institutions in East Asian countries:

Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak speaks to Reuters during an interview in Langkawi, Malaysia June 19, 2018.

1. The 1MDB scandal in Malaysia (2015–2018):

• Government-linked investment fund was allegedly used for money laundering and corruption.
• The scandal implicated former Prime Minister Najib Razak and led to widespread protests and a loss of trust in political institutions.

2. The Choi Soon-sil scandal in South Korea (2016–2017):

• Choi Soon-sil, a close friend of President Park Geun-hye, was accused of using her relationship with the president to gain influence and financial benefits.
• The scandal led to President Park’s impeachment and a loss of trust in political institutions.

3. The 2019 elections in Indonesia:

• Allegations of vote-rigging and corruption were reported during the presidential and legislative elections.
• The election results were met with protests and a loss of trust in political institutions.

4. The 2014 “Umbrella Movement” in Hong Kong:

• Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong were sparked by a decision by the Chinese government to limit the scope of Hong Kong’s democratic elections.
• The protests were met with police brutality and a lack of government response, contributing to a sense of political disengagement and a loss of trust in political institutions.

5. The 2014 Sunflower Movement in Taiwan:

• Protests were sparked by a trade agreement with China that many felt was not in the best interests of Taiwan.
• The protests were met with a lack of government response and contributed to a sense of political disengagement and a loss of trust in political institutions.

5. The Japanese government’s response to the Fukushima disaster (2011):

• The government’s response to the nuclear disaster was criticized for its lack of transparency and failure to provide accurate information to the public.
• The response contributed to a loss of trust in political institutions and a sense of political disengagement.

6. The Philippine “War on Drugs” (2016-present):

• The government’s response to drug-related crime has been criticized for its extrajudicial killings and lack of due process.
• The response has contributed to a loss of trust in political institutions and a sense of political disengagement.

7. The Thai military coup (2014):

• The military’s seizure of power and suspension of democratic institutions contributed to a loss of trust in political institutions and a sense of political disengagement.

8. The Chinese Communist Party’s control over the media (ongoing):

• The Chinese government’s control over media outlets has contributed to a lack of transparency in government decision-making and a loss of trust in political institutions.

9. The North Korean government’s control over information (ongoing):

• The North Korean government’s tight control over information has contributed to a lack of transparency in government decision-making and a loss of trust in political institutions.

These examples illustrate how corruption, lack of transparency, and government control over information can contribute to a loss of trust in political institutions in East Asian countries. This loss of trust can lead to a sense of political disengagement and a reluctance to participate in the democratic process.

The Importance of Political Participation

Here are some benefits of political engagement and encouraging people to become more involved in politics:

1. Positive change: Citizen participation in politics can lead to positive change in society. This can include changes in policy, legislation, or social attitudes.
2. Holding politicians accountable: When citizens are engaged in politics, they can hold politicians accountable for their actions and decisions. This can help ensure that elected officials are working in the best interests of their constituents.
3. Representation: When citizens are engaged in politics, they can ensure that their voices and perspectives are represented in government. This can help ensure that policies and decisions reflect the needs and concerns of the people they affect.
4. Education: Becoming more involved in politics can also be a valuable learning experience, allowing individuals to gain a deeper understanding of how government works and how policies are developed.
5. Empowerment: Political engagement can be empowering, giving individuals a sense of agency and the ability to make a difference in their communities and the wider world.

In my own experience, I have found that becoming more involved in politics has been empowering and has allowed me to make a positive impact on issues I care about. While it can be challenging to step out of one’s comfort zone and express opinions, doing so can lead to personal growth and positive change in society. Encouraging others to become more engaged in politics can help ensure that more voices are heard and that political decisions reflect the needs and concerns of all citizens.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, the issue of political disengagement among East Asian populations is complex and multifaceted. Cultural, historical, economic, and institutional factors all contribute to a sense of apathy towards politics and a lack of trust in political institutions.

From a personal point of view, I have observed this issue among many of my Asian friends, and I too initially struggled with political disengagement when I arrived in Germany. However, I have come to realize the importance of expressing oneself and becoming involved in politics, even in small ways.

It is important to be critical and think logically when becoming involved in politics, and to avoid being manipulated by politicians or propaganda. :D

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