On Asians’ Authoritarian Nostalgia

Delving into the collective memory of Asians and into the PS 172 course, I stumbled upon the intriguing concept of authoritarian nostalgia – a sentimental longing for a past marked by strong control. The aformentioned notion delves into the captivating allure of an idealized history, defined by authoritative governance and perceived stability. Moreover, the intricate interplay between history, human psychology, and contemporary politics is at the core of this concept. Through this critical and analytical lens, I strive to decipher the profound implications of a society's nostalgic longing for a bygone era, where albeit illusory, certainties held control over the uncertainties of today's world.

A lot of people in the Asian region reminisce about a time when the political landscape seemed stable, even if the stability was enforced through authoritarian means. This prompts me to think, what fuels this desire for a time often associated with repression and centralized power? 

“Authoritarian nostalgia is defined as positive individual perceptions of an authoritarian past in the sense that individuals emphasize the achievements of the autocratic regime.” - Kim-Leffingwell, 2023

In the democratic world of Asian societies, the resonance of authoritarian nostalgia among voters has emerged, shaping the political preferences and perceptions of voters in ways that demand our attention and analysis. To comprehend the roots of authoritarian nostalgia in Asia, I believe one must delve into the historical experiences that have left an indelible mark on the collective memory of societies. From post-colonial transitions to periods of economic upheaval, instances of authoritarian rule have, at times, been perceived as providing stability and order. The memories of such eras, whether accurate or idealized, have etched themselves into the consciousness of Asian communities, creating a fertile ground for the seeds of nostalgic sentiments.

In terms of psychological underpinnings, I believe authoritarian nostalgia among Asian voters finds its roots in the interplay of psychology and societal dynamics. The yearning for a strong and centralized leadership often stems from a desire for certainty, especially in the face of rapid socio-economic transformations. The perceived ability of authoritarian regimes to deliver swift decisions and maintain a semblance of order resonates with those who might feel overwhelmed by the complexities of contemporary challenges. This argument nods to Kim-Leffingwell’s paper entitled “Personality traits, democratic support, and authoritarian nostalgia”.

In a study conducted by Kim-Leffingwell (2023), his findings revealed the nostalgia felt by those individuals that are high in emotional stability stems from a yearning for the established socioeconomic achievements of the past.

Authoritarian nostalgia across different levels of democratic support: The figure shows a fitted line of authoritarian nostalgia on

democratic support using a LOESS model, with the standard error shown as a shaded area. 

In the modern political landscape, authoritarian nostalgia manifests itself in the choices made by voters. Whether expressed through electoral preferences, attitudes toward democratic institutions, or support for leaders with authoritarian tendencies, this nostalgia shapes the trajectory of political discourse. Cases across Asia, from the Philippines to India, highlight the enduring appeal of leaders who embody characteristics reminiscent of strongman rule.

To illustrate the prevalence and diverse manifestations of authoritarian nostalgia, this essay will delve into various Asian countries. Analyzing the political dynamics of these countries, I will seek to unravel the specific factors that contribute to the allure of authoritative leadership and the impact on democratic institutions through Kim-Leffingwell’s (2023) Alternative legacies of authoritarianism: Pro-dictator bias in ideology and Chang et. al (2007) Authoritarian Nostalgia in Asia.

In the context of authoritarian nostalgia, the former suggests that the success of an authoritarian regime, particularly in terms of economic growth, can evoke both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, a thriving authoritarian past may enjoy popular support, but it also carries the risk of undermining regime stability. Reflecting on this, it underscores the dynamics between economic success, political transitions, and the phenomenon of authoritarian nostalgia. The dual nature of the authoritarian past, acting as both a boon and a bane, reveals the intricacies of public sentiment and political dynamics. On one hand, the correlation between high economic growth under dictatorship and popular support sheds light on the pragmatic considerations of citizens. Economic prosperity may serve as a stabilizing force for authoritarian regimes, garnering support from a populace that values tangible improvements in living standards. This aligns with historical instances, such as those in East Asia, where economic success paved the way for demands for political liberalization (Kim-Leffingwell, 2023).

"Authoritarian nostalgia, it must be recognized, is appealing because of the “hope” it promises, at least with respect to social order and discipline." - Jayeel Cornelio, 2022

Economic performance is also a pivotal factor influencing the increasing support for authoritarianism in Chang et. al's study. Accordingly, citizens in these nations perceive their respective national economic conditions differently, with recent economic downturns overshadowing past rapid growth. This discrepancy in perception has led to doubts about the effectiveness of democracy, adding to the multifaceted reasons behind the growing appeal of authoritarianism in East Asia. With this, the rise of support for authoritarianism is indeed becoming evident in less-developed countries like Mongolia, the Philippines, and Thailand, where there is a noticeable surge in favor of authoritarian alternatives. This disparity highlights a significant number of citizens in these nations who hold equivocal and confused political orientations, posing a challenge to their democracies by establishing a fragile foundation of legitimacy. The dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy has witnessed an upswing in these countries, resulting in a decline in overall support for democratic systems. Aside from economic performance, contributing factor to this shift is the pervasive corruption within national governments, eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and fueling a resurgence of authoritarian nostalgia (Chang, et. al., 2007).

However, Chang et. al's paper focuses primarily on the presence of authoritarian sentiment without exploring the underlying reasons for its emergence. The paper neglects crucial aspects such as the influence of media, propaganda, and political manipulation in shaping public opinion toward authoritarianism. I believe that understanding the interplay of media narratives, propaganda, and political manipulation is essential in comprehending the genesis of authoritarian nostalgia. These factors often contribute significantly to the shaping of public perceptions, influencing the appeal of authoritarian alternatives.

Once again, the concept of authoritarian nostalgia highlights the potential risks associated with a population's idealization of the past. Support for authoritarian successors, fueled by a desire to recapture the perceived glory of a bygone eraunder mine the principles of democracy. It underscores the importance of addressing economic challenges under democratic governance and managing public perceptions to mitigate the allure of authoritarianism.

With this, as we navigate the complex terrain of authoritarian nostalgia among Asian voters, it becomes evident that this phenomenon is not merely historical but a dynamic force shaping contemporary political landscapes. By understanding the historical context, psychological underpinnings, and manifestations in specific cases, we can gain deeper insights into the intricate relationship between nostalgia, politics, and the future trajectory of democracy in Asia. In doing so, we are better equipped to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this dilemma in the ongoing evolution of democratic governance in the region.

 "Apart from confronting falsehoods, the challenge for the rest of us in civil society is to offer a far more convincing political vision — one in which national progress rests not on strongman leadership but on the strength of our institutions and collective life." - Jayeel Cornelio, 2022

References:

Chang, Y. T., Chu, Y. H., & Park, C. M. (2007). Authoritarian nostalgia in Asia. Journal of Democracy, 18, 66.

Kim-Leffingwell, S. (2023). Alternative legacies of authoritarianism: Pro-dictator bias in ideology. Party Politics, 29(3), 580-586.

Kim-Leffingwell, S. (2023). Personality traits, democratic support, and authoritarian nostalgia. Social Science Quarterly, 104(4), 619-635.

Cornelio, J. (2022, October 20). [OPINION] On Filipinos; authoritarian nostalgia. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-filipino-authoritarian-nostalgia/