Political and Electoral Elites in Asia

The evolution of political regimes in South and East countries have been shaped by deep and continuous changes in their political elites. These unstable patterns of elite configuration have been balanced by the stability of traditional profiles in their selection. However, the recent electoral changes and the crisis of some important leaderships raises important questions about how leaders manage the institutional tensions and respond to their citizens’ expectations. Aiming to better understand the implications and consequences of these issues, this panel aims to explore the mechanisms of elite selection in diverse political systems across Asia, from democracies to authoritarian regimes. We encourage studies that examine how elites are recruited, groomed, and rotated within power structures, as well as how these processes influence political stability and governance. Additionally, we seek papers that address the challenges faced by political leaders, including managing public expectations, navigating internal party dynamics, and responding to global pressures. By analyzing these issues, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of how political elites shape policy outcomes and the broader socio-political landscape in Asia. Submissions that employ comparative approaches, case studies, or theoretical frameworks are particularly welcome.