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.
