Political change in Southeast Asia : trimming R. J. Vatikiotis

In the West industrialisation and new-found wealth catalysed political enlightenment and participatory democracy. The experi ence of Southeast Asia has been rather different. Rapid economic growth has not resulted in an even distribution of wealth, and progress towards participatory democracy has been slow. Strong governments hold sway over free markets supported by middle classes seemingly content to sacrifice gratification for collective stability. Some now argue that the Western model of political change is not applicable in the Southeast Asian context.

Michael R.J. Vatikiotis examines the contrast between the assumptions about political change based on the Western experi ence and the Southeast Asian reality. He argues that traditional concepts of power, which stress authoritarian values and paternal ism, have not simply survived but have thrived during the post colonial period despite pressures to Westernise. He points out that while the desire to preserve power has prompted local ruling elites to make exaggerated claims about 'Asian' values, the societies they govern are also finding ways of resisting tyranny.