Date: August 21, 2024 (Wednesday)
Time: 2:30–3:30 pm
Venue: Room 4.36, 4/F, Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU
Speaker: Prof. Diego Fossati, Associate Professor, City University of Hong Kong
Abstract:
Studying the legitimacy of political institutions is crucial to understand their stability, efficacy and normative appeal. In the context of Southeast Asia, where the inclusiveness and competitiveness of democratic institutions are often constrained, existing research has posited that economic performance is the primary determinant of political legitimacy. However, this perspective reduces the complexity of legitimacy to only one of its dimensions, and it is therefore problematic conceptually and empirically. Drawing on various research projects conducted by the speaker in recent years, this talk offers a comprehensive overview of the determinants and implications of political legitimacy in Southeast Asia. It engages with key debates in political research, discussing the role of political culture, representation, participation, democratic backsliding and populism, as well as recent developments related to the pandemic and technological advancement. Through these illustrations, the talk argues for a holistic perspective to understand political legitimacy in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the need to consider both its substantive and procedural dimensions.
All are welcome. For enquiries, please contact us at smlc@hku.hk
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