Research Project

Democracies in transition usually rely on authoritative sources of power, leaders that can be colloquially described as benevolent dictators or authoritarian leaders. After these authoritarian leaders are deposed, they have a tremendous sociological impact on the citizens and the generations of citizens afterward. There is a version of “memory politics” that plays into how these authoritarian leaders are seen. These leaders are almost humanized by memory politics and seen as leaders who acted by whatever means necessary to protect their nation and citizens. This memory politics allows for a complete change in how history presents these dictators. The case study presented in this paper focuses on the tenure of South Korean president and authoritarian leader, Park Chung-hee, who usurped power in a coup and led South Korea for six years. During this period, Park Chung-hee, like many authoritarian leaders, created structural and economic developments that fueled the nationalistic desire of the people and allowed him to cement his place as an authoritarian leader at the time. Park Chung-hee's rule resulted from political apathy in South Korea and a power vacuum. However, he created institutional change within the South Korean societal structure. Using this case study of Park Chung-hee, we can see the tangible psychological impacts of memory politics on the citizens. This case study allows us to find an explanation for why authoritarian leaders continue rising to power and have support after their downfalls.