This collection presents a varied picture of the state of democracy in Asia, revealing unique findings from a project entitled the 'Asia Democracy Initiative' which explored the role of ordinary people in democratization through the rise of expressive social values in Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand.

"It is refreshing to find a book that assumes that democracies, particularly east Asian ones, are fraught with complexity, popular impatience and backsliding. ? It is recommended to both Asia scholars and students of democratization. ? the book is an excellent addition to the ongoing discussion about the direction and meaning of Asia's governments of the people." (Joel Campbell, International Affairs, Vol. 91 (6), 2015)