Civil Society in Southeast Asia: Power Struggles and Political Regimes

Civil society in Southeast Asia is transforming, leading to power struggles over relationships between civil society and the state. These struggles are shaped by historical and political economy foundations, with different ways of capitalism organizing, controlling, and developing affecting conflicts and coalitions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Civil society in Southeast Asia is undergoing a significant transformation rather than shrinking as commonly believed. This transformation is leading to profound shifts in the influence that civil society can exert. Political and ideological differences in the region have intensified, with anti-democratic and anti-liberal social forces competing against democratic and liberal elements within civil society. It is crucial to understand that these power struggles are not merely a clash between civil and uncivil society or a conflict between civil society and state power. Instead, they revolve around the complex relationships between civil society and the state.

To explore these dynamics, this Element takes a historical and political economy approach. It emphasizes the foundations shaping conflicts, interests, and coalitions that mobilize through civil society. It demonstrates that different configurations of capitalism, such as state-led development, corporate-led capitalism, and hybrid forms, influence the timing, nature, and direction of conflicts and coalitions within civil society.

Through a comparative analysis of Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, this argument is substantiated. These countries serve as examples of diverse capitalist systems and their impact on civil society dynamics. By examining these case studies, we gain insights into how different modes of capitalism shape the contours of civil society conflicts and coalitions.

In conclusion, civil society in Southeast Asia is not shrinking but rather transforming. These transformations are driven by political and ideological differences, as well as the complex interplay between civil society and the state. Understanding the historical and political economy foundations shaping these dynamics is essential for comprehending the evolving landscape of civil society in the region.

Weight: 585g
ISBN-13: 9781108707428