Introduction

This introductory chapter attempts to call attention back to political parties in understanding democratic transition and consolidation in Asia. It proposes that democratization in Asia is not simply a product of class preferences shaped by a particular economic configuration, but a result of institutional bargains obtained by varying coalitions of movements and parties at particular historical junctures. The chapter further argues that Asian political parties have played a key role in mobilizing pro-democracy forces in conjunction with a change in political opportunity structure, a precondition for democracy. It also presents a review of the literature on political parties and democracy. It indicates greater attention to political parties to understand why “democracies against the odds” have been resilient in Asia.