This collection explores the possibilities for expanding and consolidating existing democratic spaces in Asia, under the pressure of market reforms. It provides new insights into the prospects for democratic consolidations in the region. The book explores the ways of going beyond the official and elitist discourses on constitutional democracy and economic development. It analyzes the complex challenges of deepening poverty and highlights the obstacles to the empowerment of marginalized communities, including women and ethno-religious minorities. The authors of this volume suggest ways to engender development through grassroots democracy in the new millennium.

Provides new insights into the prospects for democratic consolidations in the region

Acknowledgments List of Tables List of Abbreviations Notes on the Contributors Introduction: Democracy and Development in Asia in the 21st Century: In Search of Popular Democratic Alternatives' J.Lele & F.Quadir Democratization and Education in China; J.Lin Education as an Instrument of Democratization and Governance; E.A.Co The Debris of Post-Authoritarianism in Indonesia; A.Heryanto Going Beyond the Mainstream Discourse: Democratic Consolidation and Market Reforms in Bangladesh; F.Quadir Engendering Globalization: Perspectives on Challenges and Responses; A.Trotz Women, Development and Empowerment in Vietnam; L.T.Quy Environmental Degradation and Social Justice: Implications for Democracy in Asia; L.Surendra Democracy, Ecology and Ecocide in Asia: Some Critical Reflections; P.Stoett Formal Democracy and Its Alternatives in the Philippines: Parties, Elections and Social Movements; J.Rocamora Index