From Development to Democracy

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The book explores why some Asian authoritarian regimes have democratized as they became wealthier, while others, such as China, have not. Over the past century, Asia has experienced remarkable economic growth and development, yet its democratization has been inconsistent. The authors, Dan Slater and Joseph Wong, provide a compelling explanation for this disparity. They argue that contrary to the belief that authoritarian regimes only democratize when weak, many Asian dictators have initiated democratic reforms as a strategy to strengthen their power. Key to this process is the confidence of authoritarian leaders in their stability and victory. In countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, this confidence has fostered successful democratic transitions. In contrast, attempts at democratization in Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar have been less stable and often reversed. Resistance to reforms has remained strong in nations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The authors also reassess China's 1989 crackdown, suggesting it was a sign of weakness rather than strength. Their analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of democratic transitions in Asia and insights into the region's future.