This Introductory Chapter Places The Project Of The Book Into The Larger Context Of Debates In Contemporary Political Theory. It Illustrates That Despite Their Cultural And Ideological Differences, Both Western And East Asian Political Theorists Are Debating The Value Of Democratic Practices And Institutions For Industrialised Pluralistic Societies. It Argues That Cross-cultural Proximity Among Geographically-distant Others Has Revealed Pressing Common Political Challenges And Explains That Meritocratic Democracy Contributes To Developing A More Nuanced Theoretical Framework Through Which The Value Of 'democracy', 'political Leaders', And 'political Parties' Can Be Better Understood From A Cross-cultural Perspective-- Provided By Publisher.