Have you ever been confused by the inconsistent maneuvers of our political elites? They support each other one moment, then swiftly change their stance to antagonism: new alliances form with former adversaries, while old partnerships crumble. This political dance, as intricate as it is perplexing, plays out across various electoral arenas.
Here is my take on this depressing politics, published by Kompas: https://www.kompas.id/baca/opini/2024/07/25/partokrasi-dalam-pilkada
We explore how 'toxic unity' rhetoric masks elite deals that subvert democracy without overt repression. Our research identifies seven key features of these alliances:
- Improbable bedfellows (e.g., Prabowo/Jokowi, Zahid/Anwar)
- Reputational whitewashing
- Clandestine deals (pardons, dropped cases)
- Hidden brokerage by behind-the-scenes actors
- Exclusionary agendas
- Discursive appeals
- Voter alienation
These Faustian pacts demand critical scrutiny. They turn elections into tools for undermining democratic processes and boost influence of extraconstitutional powers.
Download the open access here: https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/article/930431
