From the case studies presented
in the paper of Huck-ju Kwon on “Advocacy Coalitions and Health Politics in
Korea,” articulates, to me, some idea and contexts of societal regime that
shapes the policy making procedure.
Authoritarian Government
As discussed by Kwon in two
regimes of political reign. Particularly policy discussion took place only
within the governmental sphere. Mostly, the policy would be approved in case of
economic benefit and for the image of the government. The case study presented
in Korean context truly reflects the reality of the authoritarian government
nowadays. Only those with influential power could involve and shape the
conclusion of policy making towards their benefit. Though, outsiders of the
policy making process demand their voice to be heard for the common good in the
society, their voice seems to touch upon only the surface of the process,
however, they could not get into the system or into the decision making
committee. The decision power still lays on the table of those who are in
power.
Democratic Government
Sooner or later, the absolute government
would fail in term of public interest, for people are having higher education
and, Kwon proved it in the paper. The government has to adapt the new concept
of the democracy. In Kwon’s paper, policy becomes more likely in a form of public
debate of which provides more opportunities not only to the government
officers, but also to other classes of society, for instance civil society,
academics, experts, to part take in policy debate. Nowadays, we could hear a
lot of demonstrations explode in most of the Middle East countries seeking for
changes of the extreme authoritarian political government. Changing would
happen and, it is only just a matter of time, however, the Middle East cases
now prove it. Again, the old government may change in Middle East after
demonstration, yet, the implementation of policy and the structural system are
still unpredictable whether they remain “the same” or “really change.” Foreseeably,
if the new government of Middle East applies the same structure, I would say,
another chance of demonstration would burst again.
