East Asia's Economic Legacy: A Comparative Analysis

This chapter examines the historical and institutional legacies that have shaped the economic growth of East Asian nations like South Korea and Taiwan, contrasting their experiences with those of African countries that gained independence around the same time. It highlights the role of meritocratic reforms and cultural values, such as Confucianism, in fostering educational investment and social mobility. Additionally, the chapter explores the nuanced impacts of colonialism, particularly Japanese rule, on socio-economic transformations and the development of cohesive state structures in East Asia.