Francisco A. Magno and John Arzil E. Manabat, both of De La Salle University, examine the Philippines’ transition from the severe democratic backsliding and "electoral autocracy" to a phase of uneven, "fragile stabilization" under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. While there have been improvements in media freedom and instances of judicial independence, the authors point out that fundamental vulnerabilities including entrenched corruption, pervasive disinformation networks, and weak legislative oversight continue to obstruct a comprehensive systemic transformation. Ultimately, Magno and Manabat underscore that the country’s democratic trajectory depends on coordinated institutional reforms to prevent a renewed slide into autocratization, such as safeguarding the information ecosystem and enforcing strict anti-corruption measures.

Hans H. Tung, Professor at National Taiwan University, and Lev Nachman, Associate Professor at National Taiwan University, examine the signs of democratic backsliding and institutional stress in Taiwan following the 2024 election, highlighting the gridlock between the Legislative Yuan and the Constitutional Court. They point out that this internal polarization, combined with external pressures such as the PRC’s military threats and disinformation campaigns, is undermining Taiwan’s democratic foundations. Ultimately, they underscore that civil society's resilience and international linkages remain the core strengths sustaining Taiwan's democracy, suggesting that protecting the rules of fair competition will determine its future course.

Napon Jatusripitak, Visiting Fellow and Coordinator of the Thailand Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, explores Thailand’s post-2023 political trajectory, characterizing it as a consolidation of authoritarian resilience rather than typical democratic backsliding. He details how junta legacies and "toxic" compromises have decoupled elections from governance, leading to politicized oversight and stalled structural reforms. Reflecting on the upcoming February 2026 election, Jatusripitak stresses the importance of addressing the deliberate institutional designs and elite bargains that continue to prevent a functioning democracy from ever taking root in Thailand.