The Royal Semi-Authoritarian Democracy of Bhutan

(Hardback)

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The book puts into plain words a changing dimension of politics in a traditional regime and offers an insight into the emerging transition to royal, semi-authoritarian democracy in Bhutan. Bhutan represents a political system which coalesces the rhetorical acquiescence of democracy with illiberal authoritarian attributes under the former royalist shadow. Royal democracy is a myth and only paints the frontage of democracy. The smokescreen of this kind of authoritarian regime is not yet democracy but is instead a new form of semi-authoritarian rule. The political reforms in Bhutan were orchestrated by the traditional regime and elites in a traditional society as a tightly controlled, top-down process without devolution of power outside the regime. Royal Democracy can best be understood as an attempt to construct a political regime that impersonates democratic institutions but works outside the logic of political representation and seeks to repress any vestige of genuine political pluralism.Exploring the authoritarian logic behind the democratic rhetoric is especially important for Bhutan, which is today glorified by the UN as The Mecca of Gross National Happiness and depicted by many as a model of top down democracy on popular media and in academia. Holding State controlled elections alone does not create a cure for deeper political, economic, and social predicaments besetting Bhutan and does not create a solid foundation for democratic transition. The glitter of royal, semi-authoritarian democracy is a Jigmecracy, an old Jigmes system with new labels, a classic case of transition from a traditional regime in a traditional society.

Reviews

The book The Royal Semi-authoritarian Democracy of Bhutan by Dhurba Rizal is an excellent account on the democratic transition taking place in this exotic country. The book is an engaging and endearing tribute to the Buddhist kingdom and its people. With years of thoughtful research, Rizal has been able to successfully identify and analyze the changing political structures in Bhutan. The Royal Semi-authoritarian Democracy of Bhutan makes a significant contribution by communicating to the audience the intricacies involved in transforming Bhutan from a traditional regime to a royal one and then to a semi-authoritarian democracy. The Royal Semi-authoritarian Democracy of Bhutan is a delight to read in every way. No doubt, this book is a must read for anyone interested in Asian politics in general or about the long-drawn process of political transition in Bhutan. The book offers valuable insights for understanding the history of democracy and authoritarian political thought. Rizals profound analysis about Bhutans transition to democracy is a truly special and unique work that leaves the audience with room to crave for more. This book provides an excellent grounding and foundation for students across the social science disciplines as well as for scholars who are eager to understand about the political perspectives on democracy and their struggle to get there. * Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs *
Understanding the evolving political order and institutional structure of Bhutan and similar transitional States elsewhere, requires a fresh perspective with alternative political classifications. This complex task is brilliantly undertaken byDhurba Rizal in his new bookThe Royal Semi-Authoritarian Democracy of Bhutan. As always, Dr. Rizal writes with integrity and provides the necessary clarity for the right questions to be asked, allowing the reader to move into a space of understanding far deeper than levels previously reached. Rizal's creative, but theoretically grounded "Royal Semi-Authoritarian Democracy" conceptualization is a major leap forward in authentically understanding the political landscape of Bhutan. -- Steve Esons

Author Bio

Dhurba Rizal is a scholar of public management, governance, security, development, and conflict.