Autocratization in Polarized Societies in South Asia: A Quest of Democracy

In a Democratic structure, polarisation is taken natural but it is being a serious concern nowadays. Few scholars like Andreas scheduler are raising concern about it by establishing links between polarisation and autocratization. Few believe that polarisation damages the democracy by hurting the cooperation and enhancing confrontation among the liberal democratic societies. In the context of development, requires a strategic approach that addresses both the underlying causes of polarization and the mechanisms through which autocratic tendencies take root. In South Asia often the identity politics is exploited to deepen divisions i.e. Sri Lanka, ethnic tensions between Sinhalese and Tamil populations have been exacerbated, contributing to prolonged conflicts and enabling authoritarian rule. In Myanmar, the military junta has brutally cracked down on protests and media freedom. In other South Asian countries religious identity is increasingly politicized, leading to the marginalization of minority groups and justifying autocratic practices. The systematic suppression of civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press, as a means of silencing dissent and maintaining control. This panel highlights the multifaceted nature of autocratization in polarized societies, especially in the context of South Asia, where historical, cultural, and political factors intertwine to shape the trajectory of democratic governance. This panel invites the papers from the scholars on various dimensions of the theme.