The core of populism is in creating an image of the people and representing them to justify political power. [1] It is based on a myth as “the people” as a singular entity does not exist. A populist …
North Korea as a Populist Regime
The political structure of a country is often presented on a spectrum; it is the degree of democracy or autocracy rather than a dichotomous classification. [1] For sure, many scholars have argued for …
Coronavirus’ Chinese Paradox: Crushing or Renewing Hopes for Democratization?
In the past twenty years, the world has been asking itself “will China democratize”? However, the Chinese Communist Party under President Xi has been doing so well that the debate had died down… until …
A Two Headed Lion: COVID-19 in Singapore
The coronavirus outbreak raises some interesting questions for the social scientists and the general public. Most importantly, why are some countries more successful than the …
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Activism is Under Attack in the Philippines
Activists in the Philippines are under siege. The country is now the most dangerous place for environmental activists, with 30 killed in 2018 – more than anywhere else in the world. And environmental …
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Indigenous Struggles: A Shortfall of Philippine Democracy
The Philippines opened the 30th Southeast Asian Games this year with a performance celebrating the country’s indigenous cultures. A day earlier, indigenous Aeta communities were given a notice …
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Is There Judicial Independence in Duterte’s Philippines?
A review of salient cases that have been considered by the Supreme Court suggests a judiciary largely unwilling to rule against the president. Three years in his term, President Rodrigo Duterte has …
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China Hates “Sharp Power,” but the Feeling Is Unfounded
China is unhappy with the growing use of the term “sharp power” to describe its overseas influence activities. Unfortunately, its criticism is unfounded. China is unhappy with the growing use of …
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