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Professor Toshiro Nishizawa<\/a>\u2019s article titled \u201cDie Regierung muss die Schw\u00e4chsten sch\u00fctzen<\/a>\u201d (\u201cChallenges for next-generation leaders in Laos seeking a modernized governance\u201d) was published on March 27, 2024, on s\u00fcdostasien<\/em>, a German open-access journal. The main thrust of his argument is as follows.<\/p>\n Western commentators tend to be critical of Laos\u2019s political regime and express their concerns about governance and human rights. While Laos remains amid economic woes, the country survived economic hardships following the pandemic under the existing political regime and leadership. Under such circumstances, a question can be asked: which approach, gradualism or single-mindedly advocating a particular notion of \u201cdemocracy,\u201d should be adopted to promote a genuinely democratic governance system while maintaining people\u2019s well-being under social stability.<\/p>\n In general terms, gradualism based on local contexts should be a more promising approach to establishing democracy by advancing socio-economic development as a prerequisite. From another perspective, political leaders should emphasize \u201chuman security\u201d in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to their people\u2019s survival, livelihood, and dignity. As long as no significant violation of fundamental human rights is prevalent, ordinary people will likely prefer gains from socio-economic development rather than subordinating themselves to an imported \u201cdemocracy\u201d notion, which is not their own.<\/p>\n Social media, supported by ubiquitous information technology, has an increasing influence on governance in negative and positive ways. Informed of growing voices of dissent through social media, there is good reason for the Lao government to be responsive in mitigating the risks of growing public discontent, especially among have-nots.<\/p>\n Political leaders\u2019 task in Laos should be to prioritize policy measures that consider people\u2019s well-being and social stability and, over the medium and long term, establish genuinely democratic and modernized governance with a natural affinity for the cultural, social, and historical context.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The original English version of the article can be read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n