The Foreign Desk Dynastic democracies
Jul 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sophie Lemire, a political anthropologist at the College de France, Richard Javad Haydarian, a political scientist and author, and Peter Limja Owenrat, former leader of Thailand's Move Forward Party, dive deep into the world of political dynasties in Southeast Asia. They explore the rivalry of the Marcos and Duterte families in the Philippines and the emotional nostalgia tied to the Marcos era. The conversation also highlights the potential rise of a new political force among disenchanted youth and the challenges faced by emerging leaders in Thai politics.
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Southeast Asia's Dynasty Resilience
- Southeast Asia's weak institutions and family-centric cultures heavily sustain political dynasties.
- These dynasties leverage patronage and name recognition to remain resilient in volatile societies.
Dynasties Rewrite Their Legacy
- Political families use social media to rewrite and romanticize their controversial histories.
- This reshaping of legacies triggers nostalgia and helps them regain public favor.
Overcoming Political Dynasties
- Beat political dynasties with education and truthful counter-narratives.
- Build coalitions and allow generational shifts to foster new leadership against entrenched families.
