THE POLITICS OF ASIAN VALUES

It is argued in this article that a range of conservative and authorit arian political ideologies have been presented by their Asian proponen ts as culturally embodied in Asian society. By doing this they seek to insulate their position from both domestic and international critics. However, the organic-statist values implicit in 'Asian values' come u nder pressure as industrial capitalism transforms Asian society and th e region's economics become internationalized. Ironically, 'Asian valu es' is hailed as a model for the future by market-oriented neo-conserv atives in the West. These find common cause in the particular amalgam of social conservatism with policies emphasizing economic growth.