Fears for Bangladeshi Democracy Rumble Across Region

Some Asian democracies are not handling polarization well and fail to contain extreme responses by political parties after election or policy defeats. In Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Thailand, “parliamentary democracies have fallen prey to the diseases of authoritarianism, violence and strident populism,” reports Victor Mallet for the Financial Times. Amid the political problems for the four nations, a common feature is “the impotence of foreign governments, particularly the western democratic ones that feel it their duty to promote freedom, in the face of brutality and intransigence.” In too many nations, political parties promote a labyrinth of connections and family dynasties that aim to lock up power permanently. In or out of office, political parties can be vindictive against opponents, overlooking democratic principles or serving the overall public good. Mallet points to hopeful signs in India, Pakistan and elsewhere. New parties have risen to power, and those replaced allow smooth transitions. – YaleGlobal