Over the past decade, many countries in Asia have become more authoritarian, with governments taking more control and allowing less freedom for people and the media. From Southeast Asia to Central Asia, strong leaders have gained more power as well as the grip of China’s one-party system has tightened. Once seen as a region of democratic promise, especially after the “Asian Spring” in the late 20th century, Asia is facing a shift towards autocratic governance. In countries like Myanmar, the military has overthrown democratically elected leaders, while in the Philippines and Thailand, populist leaders have weakened the systems that are supposed to limit their power. Even in more stable democracies such as India and Indonesia, pressures from corruption and social divisions threaten to erode democratic norms. This turning point towards authoritarianism is fuelled by both internal crises and external influences, notably the authoritarian models promoted by China and Russia. As a result, civil society and independent media are increasingly marginalised, raising serious concerns about the future of freedoms and human rights in the region. This article aims to explore the causes and possible futures of rising authoritarianism in Asia.
