The rise in coups and other types of military intervention in South and Southeast Asia will set back democracy by years and has been met by a weak and ineffective response from major global and regional powers.

Beyond devastating public health, COVID-19 has worsened socioeconomic inequality, possibly for years to come, and exacerbated democratic regression in the United States, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

To prevent further democratic regression in South and Southeast Asia during the coronavirus pandemic, countries should continue holding free elections and counter illiberal leaders’ use of disinformation.