NewsBite

Opinion

Beware south-east Asia's creeping authoritarianism

Under cover of the pandemic, governments across south-east Asia are stifling political opposition, closing down space for civil society and attacking free media.

Richard Maude

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

Rocked by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic toll, south-east Asia faces an uncertain decade after a long period of relative stability and economic growth. The pandemic is affecting all aspects of south-east Asian life and society, including its politics.

In the short-term, it is reinforcing a pre-existing trend of democratic regression and illiberalism, evident in south-east Asia as it is worldwide.

Loading...

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

Read More

Latest In Asia

Fetching latest articles

Most Viewed In World

    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/world/asia/beware-south-east-asia-s-creeping-authoritarianism-20201012-p5649g