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96. Divisive Politics of Southeast Asia

Fri, March 17, 12:45 to 2:45pm, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Floor: 4th Floor, Rosedale

Session Submission Type: Organized Panel

Abstract

Over the last ten years Freedom House has reported a weakening of democratic practices and rights throughout the world. Southeast Asia is no exception. From relatively democratic countries like Indonesia, to less free states like Malaysia and Singapore, to now profoundly unfree states like Thailand; we see increases is state repression, increases in divisive politics, and democratization seemingly further from reach than ever before. The papers on this panel provide us an in-depth look at the mechanisms and drivers of these changes. The common theme here is how power holders use divisive politics and coercion to thwart greater openness, inclusiveness, and the circulation of elites. Sitthi provides us with an understanding of how the Thai coup has used a variety of tactics to repress and squash both the Redshirt opposition and other critics of the putsch. Murphy and Ostwald’s papers reopen the discussion about the relationship between elections and identity politics. Finally, Dettman’s paper examines how an opposition party tries to win power in Malaysia’s highly rigged system. Conclusions can be drawn from these papers about the weaknesses and pitfalls of democracy and the obstacles faced by opposition groups in undemocratic states. These papers will contribute to our understanding of the inner workings of democratic and nondemocratic states in Southeast Asia and beyond.

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