Reassessing Political Polarization and Democratic Development in Southeast Asia

Polarization, an increasing ideological and affective divide between opposing political groups, is a key driver of democratic backsliding, as polarized politics typically erodes democratic norms. While the perils of polarization are undeniable, especially when polarization extends to collective emotions and social identities, ideological polarization is also a prerequisite for a key function of democratic politics, substantive representation. The link between polarization and democratic development is therefore more complex than commonly discussed, as polarization, while disruptive and potentially devastating for democracy, may at times offer unexpected opportunities for democratic advancement. This article illustrates this point with an analysis of six Southeast Asian cases that show sharply diverging trajectories in their relationship between polarization and democratic development. While some of them conform with theoretical expectations about the pernicious effects of polarization, other cases confound them, inviting us to better appreciate the complexity of the nexus between rising polarization and democratic decline.