Asian Tradition and Cosmopolitan Politics: Dialogue with Kim Dae-jung

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Description

The book is a collection of texts by the late former President of the Republic of Korea and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Kim Dae-jung, along with contributions by other authors including the late former President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Richard von Weizscker. The manuscript aims to explore the significance of the combination of a cosmopolitan vision and an Asian identity found in the political thoughts of Kim. This book holds special significance as it is edited by Professor Sang-Jin Han, one of Kim's most trusted political advisors, as well as longtime friend - with their relationship stretching back to way before Kim was elected president. As one of Korea's leading intellectuals, Professor Han is best positioned to make the most out of the material since he simultaneously holds the privilege of a close personal relationship with Kim as well as expert scholarly understanding of its academic and philosophical value.

Reviews

A unique, original, and insightful study from beginning to end.... "Asian Tradition and Cosmopolitan Politics: Dialogue with Kim Dae-jung" is an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to college and academic library Contemporary Asian Studies and International Relations collections in general, and Kim Dae-jung supplemental studies reading lists in particular * Midwest Book Review *
In these days in which the Koreas are a matter of global concern, what South Korea is able to do as a democratic nation is of interest to all. Kim Dae-jung was the most important voice for democracy and social responsibility in a nation that has endured many political troubles. No one has been a more important voice for democracy in a troubled world. And no internationally recognized scholar knew him better than Han Sang-jin. This book is a must read for these perilous times. -- Charles Lemert, Yale University
This collection of essays by and on Kim Dae-jung has the merit to present a vivid portrait of an outstanding president and a remarkable political figure. He was deeply rooted in Asian traditions and at the same time pursued a distinctive cosmopolitan vision. -- Jrgen Habermas
As a leading public intellectual in South Korea, Han Sang-Jin shows in this book why Kim Dae-jung emerges as a great politician and a cosmopolitan thinker today, deeply challenging the current political conjuncture of contradiction. His immortal insights and achievements will be handed down from generation to generation not only as an Asian but as a global legacy. -- Sangjung Kang, Tokyo University
Kim Dae-jung was one of the great political activists and thinkers of the past forty years. Han Sang-Jin brilliantly shows the enduring nature of his thought, perhaps even more relevant today than when it was first produced. -- Anthony Giddens, London School of Economics
This timely volume portrays Kim-Dae-jung as a political philosopher and addresses an important question: Is it possible to square ethnic and national traditions with the concept of cosmopolitan politics Kim Dae-jungs intellectual contributions to this topic have been skillfully selected by Han Sang-Jin, Kim Dae-jungs trusted collaborator and friend. This volume is a must read for all who want to come to grips with how to re-interpret traditional values in terms of global and universal values. It is also of great value to those interested in understanding Kim Dae-jung, his political agenda, and his political decisions within its historical context. -- Hans-Dieter Klingemann, WZB Berlin Social Science Center

Author Bio

Han Sang-Jin is professor emeritus at Seoul National University and distinguished visiting professor at Peking University.