Opposing Power: Building Opposition Alliances in Electoral Autocracies

by Elvin Jiayun Ong

Opposing Power argues that perceptions of regime vulnerability and mutual dependency by the opposition elite shape their efforts to build opposition alliances. When electoral autocracies are consistently dominant, opposition parties eschew building fully fledged alliances. At best, they coordinate to allocate only one opposition candidate to contest against the incumbent’s candidate in each subnational electoral district to avoid splitting the opposition vote. However, when multiple regime-debilitating events strike within a short period of time to push an incumbent to the precipice of power, opposition elites raise their expectations of victory, galvanizing efforts to accept costly compromises to build alliances and topple the incumbent from power. Of course, opposition party leaders only build alliances if they expect to depend on each other to achieve victory. If they perceive that they can achieve victory on their own, they are unlikely to construct alliances because they want to avoid its costly investments. Opposing Power demonstrates this theory through two pairs of case study comparisons in East and Southeast Asia—between the Philippines and South Korea in the late 1980s, and between Malaysia and Singapore from 1965 to 2020.

Genres: Political Science

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2022

Reviews

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating the Murky Waters of Opposition: A Review of "Opposing Power"

"Opposing Power: Building Opposition Alliances in Electoral Autocracies" by Elvin Ong dives deep into the intricate world of opposition politics within electoral autocracies. This insightful book delves into the critical question of when and why opposition parties choose to form alliances, offering a nuanced and compelling explanation that sheds light on the complexities of navigating these often-turbulent environments.

One of the book's primary strengths lies in its clear and concise framework. Ong identifies two key factors influencing alliance formation – the opposition's perception of the regime's vulnerability and the degree of mutual dependence between opposition parties. This framework provides a powerful lens through which to analyze various case studies, allowing for deeper comprehension of the dynamics at play.

"Opposing Power" doesn't simply present a theoretical framework; it effectively brings it to life through the inclusion of rich case studies. Drawing upon examples from Southeast and East Asia, Ong demonstrates how these factors shaped opposition alliances in countries like the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. This comparative approach allows readers to appreciate the diverse ways these factors can play out in different contexts.

Furthermore, the book doesn't shy away from acknowledging the challenges and complexities of forming alliances in electoral autocracies. Ong highlights the inherent difficulties associated with ideological compromise, navigating restrictive electoral systems, and overcoming the challenges of limited trust and credible commitment. This balanced perspective offers a realistic and insightful understanding of the challenges faced by opposition forces.

Overall, "Opposing Power" is a valuable contribution to the field of political science, particularly studies focused on democratization and political competition in non-democratic regimes. Through its clear analysis, insightful framework, and engaging case studies, the book offers valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of opposition politics in an increasingly challenging global landscape.