Welfare Regimes in Asia: Convergent or Divergent?

Existing scholarship predominantly focuses on the evolution of welfare regimes in advanced Western economies, neglecting the Asia-Pacific region. This study analyzes welfare regimes in 20 Asian countries since the 2000s using principle component analysis and clustering algorithms. Contrary to comparative political economy (CPE) and international political economy (IPE) theories, the findings reveal a balanced approach, harmonizing commodification and decommodification, allowing these nations to navigate productivity competition, external shocks, and internal inequality. This balanced approach acts as a positive feedback mechanism, enabling adaptation to global economic pressures and domestic social imperatives.

Seungwoo Han