Militarization Rising in Southeast Asia: A Shift in Governance

The appointment of military leaders in Southeast Asian nations signals a troubling trend toward increased militarization in governance. Last month, Communist-ruled Vietnam appointed Luong Cuong, a military general and former director of the political department of the People’s Army, as its new president. Shortly thereafter, Indonesia swore in Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander with a controversial past. This combined shift marks a significant moment in the political landscape of the region, which has seen a notable decline in civilian governance in favor of military strength.

Recent Changes in Leadership

In Vietnam, the choice of Luong Cuong reflects a broader trend concerning the increasing military influence in politics. His role as a former general positions him at the helm of the country during a time of rising security concerns, particularly in the South China Sea, where tensions with China remain palpable.

Meanwhile, Prabowo Subianto’s ascension to the presidency of Indonesia represents a pivotal shift, often hailed as the "most militarized cabinet" since President Suharto’s fall from power in 1998, according to insights from New Mandala, a Southeast Asian affairs website based out of the Australian National University. Both leaders carry the weight of military backgrounds into their presidencies, raising concerns about the implications for democracy and civil liberties.

The Militarization Narrative

The military’s growing influence in Southeast Asia isn’t limited to Vietnam and Indonesia. Myanmar has remained under the control of a junta since a coup in 2021, and Cambodia’s long-time leader Hun Sen recently handed power to his son, a former military chief. Thailand, having navigated military rule until last year, still sees substantial military clout in its political sphere.

According to analysts, only Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore have maintained civilian control over their militaries, underscoring the sentiment that the region is moving toward authoritarianism. Paul Chambers, a lecturer on international affairs at Naresuan University in Thailand, elaborated: "The appearance of sudden militarization in 2024 is a deception because the military’s power in politics has always existed — though sometimes in the shadows."

The Global Context

Joshua Kurlantzick, a senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, shared insights suggesting that the militarization trend aligns with broader global patterns. "Militaries, once thought to have become mostly extinct as rulers, have revived and taken over governance in many areas, including outside Southeast Asia," Kurlantzick noted. This shift is apparent in recent military coups across regions like Africa’s Sahel and rising military influence in countries like Pakistan and Egypt.

Economic Implications

Rising military budgets further corroborate the increasing militarization narrative. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that military spending in Southeast Asia more than doubled from €19.2 billion to €41 billion between 2000 and 2021. Interestingly, the highest military expenditures relative to GDP are found in countries like Singapore, where military influence has remained subdued in political affairs.

Le Hong Hiep, a senior fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, adds that military-run businesses wield considerable power in Vietnam, where the People’s Army operates major companies. This intertwining of military and business reflects a global trend that blurs lines between state, military, and economic interests, further complicating democratic processes.

A Call for Awareness and Engagement

The evidence of rising military influence in Southeast Asia invites deeper scrutiny and dialogue surrounding the political structures within these nations. For citizens and observers alike, understanding the implications of this shift is crucial. As militaries increasingly align with political leaders and private-sector interests, there is a pressing need to assess the trajectory of democracy and civil liberties in the region.

The case of Timor-Leste stands out as an anomaly among its regional peers, having been led by former guerillas and military leaders since gaining independence. Still, it remains the only Southeast Asian country routinely rated as "free" by advocacy organizations like Freedom House.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, acknowledging and discussing these shifts becomes essential. What remains to be seen is how the citizens of these nations will respond to their governments’ increasing militarization. Engaging in discussions about democracy, civil rights, and military influence is vital as Southeast Asia navigates this complex climate.

What do you think of the rising militarization in Southeast Asia? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.

For more insights on Southeast Asian politics, click here for our previous articles on this topic.

This opinion first appeared on DW and is published by special syndication arrangement.

**Given the historical context of military ​involvement in politics within Southeast Asia, what⁤ specific measures can ​be taken ⁣by governments,‌ civil society, and international actors‍ to mitigate the potential threats to democracy and ensure a more stable and inclusive political landscape? **

## Militarization on the Rise: A Conversation with Experts

Welcome​ to World Today⁣ News. Today, ‌we’re diving deep into a concerning trend in⁣ Southeast ​Asia: the​ increasing‌ role of military leaders in governance.⁣ To help us understand this complex issue, we’re joined by two distinguished guests: Dr. Anya Sharma,‍ a political science professor specializing in Southeast Asian politics at‍ Oxford University, and⁢ Mr.‌ James Chen, a journalist‍ with⁣ extensive experience covering the region for The Diplomat.

**Section 1: Setting the Stage – Understanding the Trend**

**Host:** Thank you both for being with us today. Dr. Sharma, the ⁣article mentions a ⁤“troubling trend” towards militarization. Could you elaborate on what exactly this means in the context of Southeast ‌Asia?

**Dr. Sharma:**

**Host:** Mr. Chen, the article highlights Vietnam and Indonesia as particularly noteworthy examples. Could you shed light on the specific circumstances surrounding the appointments of ⁤Luong Cuong and‌ Prabowo Subianto, and what these​ appointments might signify?

**Mr. Chen:**

**Section 2: The Broader Picture -⁢ Southeast Asia ‍and Beyond**

**Host:** Dr. Sharma, the article suggests this trend isn’t isolated to Southeast Asia. Could you expand on this, comparing it to other global developments?

**Dr. Sharma:**

**Host:** Mr. Chen, you’ve reported extensively on Southeast Asian politics. Considering the historical context, do you think ​this shift towards militarization ⁢is a temporary phase or a more enduring development?

**Mr. Chen:**

**Section 3: The‌ Consequences – Implications for Democracy and Society**

**Host:** Let’s discuss the potential ramifications of this ⁣trend. Dr. Sharma, what are some of⁢ the concerns regarding democracy and civil liberties when military influence grows within government structures?

**Dr. Sharma:**

**Host:** Mr. ​Chen, the article mentions the intertwining ⁢of military and economic interests in countries like Vietnam. Can‌ you elaborate on​ this link and its potential consequences for a nation’s development?

**Mr. Chen:**

**Section 4: Looking Ahead – The Road Forward**

**Host:** Both of ⁢you have highlighted the complexities of this issue. What are some potential solutions or ⁣pathways forward for Southeast Asian nations grappling with this trend?

**Dr. Sharma:**

**Mr. Chen:**

**Host:**

Thank you both for sharing your perspectives. This is a critical conversation for anyone interested in the future of Southeast Asia. Thank you for joining us, and we encourage our viewers to continue this important discussion online.