Navigating the Geopolitical Landscape: The Indo-Pacific’s Democratic Dilemma
By José Carlos Palma*
In the realm of global geopolitics, the Indo-Pacific region emerges as a pivotal battleground where competing visions of governance—democracy versus autocracy—shape the trajectory of international relations. The rise of initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue underscores a collective aspiration for a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, predicated on the deepening of democratic governance. However, the feasibility of this vision amid shifting political landscapes demands careful examination.
The Democratic-Authocracy Divide
The Indo-Pacific region presents a complex mosaic of political systems, ranging from robust democracies to entrenched autocracies and emerging semi-democratic regimes. Current assessments and future projections reveal a nuanced landscape...