New Books in Political Science
How Are Southeast Asia’s Toxic Alliances Undermining the Region’s Prospects for Democracy?
Nov 29, 2024
Duncan McCargo, a renowned expert on Southeast Asian politics, and Rendy Pahrun Wadipalapa, a researcher focused on Indonesian politics, discuss the rise of toxic political alliances in Southeast Asia. They explore how dubious power-sharing deals are compromising democracy in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The guests analyze the superficial nature of these alliances, the challenges they pose to voter engagement, and how these dynamics contribute to political instability. Their insights highlight the urgent need for genuine democratic practices amidst shifting power structures.
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Quick takeaways
- Toxic alliances among Southeast Asian political elites are characterized by unusual coalitions that often undermine genuine democratic competition and voter choice.
- The rise of these alliances reflects a trend where leaders prioritize strategic gains over democratic values, leading to increasing voter alienation.
Deep dives
Emergence of Toxic Alliances in Southeast Asia
The discussion highlights the rise of toxic alliances in Southeast Asia, characterized by unusual collaborations between political adversaries. This trend became evident during recent elections in countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, where unexpected alliances emerged to consolidate power. In Malaysia, for instance, a shocking coalition was formed between rival political factions, prompting questions about the sincerity of their opposition to one another. Observers noted that similar patterns were evident in Thailand and in Indonesia's political landscape, pointing to a disturbing trend in which parties traditionally seen as opponents collaborated for strategic gains.
