As powerful democratic states around the world face increasing strain from an interconnected set of domestic challenges — political, economic, and cultural — as well as uncertainty about American strategy and the implications of emerging technologies, Asia represents a critical frontier for democracy and a major focal point for America’s leadership in the 21st century. In this initiative, Brookings experts examine the struggle over the role and influence of democracy in the Asian context. Scholars look at factors that could strengthen democratic institutions across the region as well as those that could lead to a democratic recession. As part of this research, experts also will explore the potential implications of democratic backsliding in Asia on America’s regional and global standing.
