Greater political participation promises to reduce the incidence of conflict in South East Asia.

Political participation does not necessarily imply democracy and may instead take on many different forms. Often in South East Asia, forms of political participation are used as alternatives to democracy. Generally, participation in the political process offers to reduce conflict.

Garry Rodan is Director of the Asia Research Centre and Professor of Politics and International Studies at Murdoch University.

Interview by Flavia Bellieni Zimmermann,

Video and editing by Nancye Miles-Tweedie.