In this issue

With key elections taking place across a wide swath of the world’s democracies in 2024, a nagging question continues to stalk these perennial political exercises: How fragile, or solid, are these democracies in a world where authoritarian models of governance are increasingly asserting themselves? Asia figures prominently in this debate, not just because it is home to two of the world’s largest democracies — India and Indonesia — but also because it includes China, the leading global advocate of an alternative to the liberal international order led by the United States.
But the question isn’t only whether a democracy is fragile or strong, but whether in periods when it is put under extreme stress from external or internal factors, it is resilient enough to respond in ways that preserve that system of governance — or in some cases, emerge from crisis even stronger.
In the cover package of this issue of Global Asia, we explore the issue of democratic resilience in Asia. To begin with, we examine what makes some countries more susceptible to democratic backsliding than others and why some are inherently more resistant and adaptable. To be sure, this is an emerging area of study, so conclusions are necessarily tentative and subject to further inquiry. We also examine the state of democracy in a range of Asian countries, looking at the interplay of common challenges and the factors that appear to be specific to individual countries.

‘Chinese Dream,' Global Ambition - Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative

Much focus on Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative has understandably been on the massive scale of its infrastructure projects and the implications for the economies of the countries involved. But more is at stake than just building railways, ports and pipelines.As proponents of Chinas expanding global ambitions, Christopher H. Lim and Vincent Mack Zhi Wei argue that the BRI is a central component of Beijings agenda to cement its leadership in the world.

10+ mins

Can China's President Live Up To His Own Top Billing?

Chinese President Xi Jinping is convinced that for his country to achieve the Chinese Dream and assume its rightful place on the global stage, the central role of the Chinese Communist Party and the importance of leadership from the top must be strengthened.That flies in the face of those who believe Chinas future lies in greater openness and reform. David Shambaugh examines how Xis approach to leadership is moving China both forward and backward.

10+ mins

India's Strong Man: Narendra Modi Remains An Authoritarian At Heart

India has long prided itself on being the worlds largest democracy, and one built on a population of remarkable religious, ethnic, cultural and racial diversity. More recently, the country has touted its growing economy as a sign that India is poised to take its place as a major emerging power. But with the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, the specter of Hindu nationalism has emerged as a potent force that could threaten the countrys democracy. Pratap Bhanu Mehta looks at the evolving effects of Modis leadership.

9 mins

Abe's More Assertive Japan: Will He Defy Expectations Again?

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan has proven, despite the setback of his first, undistinguished stint as premier, to be a remarkably resilient politician. In power since 2012, his economic policies have been only moderately successful and his aggressive security policies have raised the hackles of large segments of the Japanese public.Nonetheless, he may soon become Japans longest-serving post-war prime minister. The challenges he faces, however, continue to mount, writes Ellis Krauss, among them Donald Trumps erratic administration and Abes desire to amend Japans postwar peace constitution to fit the reality of the countrys more assertive security posture.

10 mins

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Global Asia Magazine Description:

Global Asia is a quarterly publication of the East Asia Foundation. The foundation, established in Seoul in January 2005, strives to promote peace, prosperity, security and sustainability in East Asia by creating an open and creative forum for the exchange of ideas on regional co-operation and integration, among other goals.
The mission we have set for ourselves with Global Asia is both bold and urgent: It is to provide a compelling, serious, and responsible forum for distinguished thinkers, policymakers, political leaders and business people to debate the most important issues in Asia today.
Global Asia is not a journal with a fixed point of view, or a particular agenda. Our aim is to give voice to the global dimension of what is happening in Asia. In our pages and on our web site, we aim for Asia to speak to the world, and the world to Asia. That is important at a time when this region is playing an ever greater role in world affairs.
There are other fine publications on international affairs. What sets us apart is our focus: Asia. We believe that the world is moving into “the Age of Asia,” to borrow a phrase from one of the articles in the inaugural issue of Global Asia in September 2006. This transformation is not going to occur overnight, but it has already begun.
The region’s dynamic economic growth, stable and accountable political systems, maturing democracies, and evolving sense of community are giving Asia greater weight in the world. These developments will have enormous implications for governments, businesses, societies and individuals across the globe. How that transformation is viewed, and shaped, from within Asia and how it is perceived outside Asia is an essential part of the story we have to tell.
The forces of globalization are having a profound impact throughout the world. And they are being influenced and channeled in different ways in different parts of the world. Ours is the story of Asia’s experience with globalization, and the ideas and debates influencing it. In pursuing our mission, we aim to play a part, however modest, in helping to shape the future of Asia.