Over the past century, Asia has undergone remarkable economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization, transforming from one of the world's poorest regions to one of its richest. However, the region's journey toward democratization has been uneven, despite the global trend linking development and democracy. This raises the question of why some Asian nations have embraced democracy alongside their wealth, while others, notably China, have not. The authors present a compelling argument that challenges the notion that authoritarian regimes only concede to democratization when facing weakness. Instead, they assert that Asian dictators often pursue democratic reforms as a strategy to reinforce their power from a position of strength. Key factors include the confidence of authoritarian leaders in their stability and victory. In Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, these conditions fostered successful democratic transitions, while efforts in Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar faced setbacks. Resistance to reforms has remained strong in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and China. The authors reinterpret China's 1989 crackdown as a sign of a regime too weak to concede rather than one too strong to fail, suggesting that China could permit democracy without destabilizing its authority. This analysis provides valuable insights into the dynamics of democratic transitions in Asia and their implications for the region's future.
