New Mandala and the Tifa Foundation

ELECTIONS, CIVIL SOCIETY, AND SOUTHEAST ASIA'S CRISES OF DEMOCRACY

Since 2017, New Mandala, with support from the Tifa Foundation, the Indonesian affiliate of the Open Society Foundations, has hosted an ongoing expert conversation on the causes and consequences of mounting challenges to democratic space in Southeast Asia. Editors’ note: all opinions contained in materials in this series are the authors’ own, and are not meant to represent those of the Tifa Foundation or the Australian National University.

Where in the world is Cambodia?

Katrin Travouillon

The international community needs to take seriously the scepticism of many Cambodians about its intentions.

12 Nov, 2018

ELECTIONS WITHOUT DEMOCRACY?

When illiberal social media takes over democratic Philippines about 5 years ago
Social media has amplified, rather than created, an existing culture of disinformation.
Thailand’s first elections in the post-Bhumibol era about 5 years ago
On the prospects for a durable authoritarian politics after the 'Bhumibol Consensus'.
Did Duterte change the rules of Philippine elections? about 5 years ago
Dutertismo still hasn’t fundamentally changed how political power is sought and won.
Why Thailand’s generals fail to co-opt elections about 5 years ago
History and electoral reality suggest that the 2019 elections will deliver another “wasted coup”.
A new electoral system for a new Malaysia about 5 years ago
The majoritarian first-past-the-post system has had its day. It’s time to think about bold options for reform.

COMPLICATING CIVIL SOCIETY

Rethinking Southeast Asian civil society

It’s past time for us to ditch simplistic ideas of “civil society” and its relationship with democracy in the region.

Kevin Hewison 06 Nov, 2017

Civic structures and uncivil demands in Indonesia

Looking at Indonesia's grassroots neighbourhood associations helps us understand the perils of aligning civil society with elite interests.

Sana Jaffrey 23 Apr, 2018

Indonesia’s regions a test bed for civil society influence

Nearly two decades of decentralisation have shown the promise and challenges for Indonesia's civil society.

Amalinda Savirani 24 Apr, 2018

POLICY PAPER

Wielding the purse strings of Southeast Asian civil society

Rosalia Sciortino

Illiberalism at home, and pro-market ideologies abroad, are putting pressure on Southeast Asian civil society organisations' financial health.

11 Jul, 2018

REGIONAL TRENDS

Disinformation and democracy in Indonesia about 6 years ago
Crackdowns on ‘fake news’ producers aren’t enough—Indonesian voters need better journalism and greater digital literacy.
ASEAN’s myths: creating continuity, rather than change about 6 years ago
ASEAN's human rights mechanisms reflect the body's prioritising the interests of national elites. Don't expect it to be of use in resolving the Rohingya crisis.
Youth and a culture of protest in Southeast Asia about 6 years ago
On the distinctive energy young people are bringing to campaigns for democracy and good governance in Malaysia.
Rethinking Southeast Asian civil society about 6 years ago
It’s past time for us to ditch simplistic ideas of “civil society” and its relationship with democracy in the region.
Southeast Asian cyberspace: politics, censorship, polarisation about 6 years ago
The internet is both a factor in, and a victim of, the region’s crisis of democracy.

Old dominance, new dominoes in Southeast Asia

Dan Slater

Democracy in the region finds itself in dark days. Can anything save it?

25 Oct, 2017

POLICY PAPER

Assessing the Rohingya crisis

Nicholas Farrelly

With the expulsion of the Rohingya largely a fait accompli, the world must face up to engaging with a very different Myanmar.

13 Jun, 2018

INDONESIA’S CHALLENGES

Nahdlatul Ulama and the politics trap

A pillar of Indonesian civil society faces an ever more acute dilemma between representing a religious community and securing resources and influence within government.

Greg Fealy 11 Jul, 2018