For much of the past decade, democracy in Asia appeared to be in retreat, as strongmen consolidated power, courts and media were weakened, and coups and crackdowns—from Myanmar to the Philippines—seemed to confirm an authoritarian tide. In this episode, we examine why that narrative is no longer complete, tracing recent moments of democratic resilience and revival, from peaceful elections in Malaysia and Fiji to mass protests that toppled entrenched rulers in Sri Lanka. The story explores how economic disappointment has undercut authoritarian promises and how older democratic traditions have quietly endured beneath the surface. Despite ongoing setbacks and fragile institutions, the political mood across parts of Asia is shifting, revealing signs that the seeds of democratic renewal may be taking root once again.

https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/02/09/democracy-is-reviving-in-asia