Friday, July 5, 2024

Journal Publication, SOUTHEAST ASIA'S TOXIC ALLIANCES, Journal of Democracy (Duncan McCargo & Rendy Wadipalapa)

 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 

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