Transparency and Authoritarian Rule in Southeast Asia

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The book examines the relationship between transparency reforms and authoritarian governance in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. Rodan challenges the idea that economic crises and technological advancements weaken authoritarian regimes. He argues that these countries have adapted to external pressures for transparency without significantly compromising their authoritarian control or allowing true media freedom. This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how authoritarian states navigate demands for reform while maintaining their power.