Democracy as an Antisystemic Movement in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China: A World Systems Analysis

Abstract

Drawing on Wallerstein's recent depiction of the character and trends in antisystemic movements in the world system, the present study examines the origins, goals, constituents and outcomes of recent democratic movements in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. The analysis is congruent with Wallerstein's depiction of a lengthy historical sweep of social movements attempting to achieve central antisystemic goals, and with his supposition that the world system helps shape antisystemic movements. The analysis is less congruent with Wallerstein's depiction of the character of antisystemic movements in the Second and Third World. Generalizations regarding the causes of these movements, and their success or failure, are developed. Future work should attempt to integrate these generalizations into existing theories of social movements and democratization within a world systems context.