Pandemic will test not topple authoritarian leaders

Significance

Yet poor handling of the pandemic, combined with the prolonged economic downturn that has come in its wake, is testing their grip in states ranging from Belarus to Thailand and Zimbabwe.

Impacts

• High-profile opposition and civil society mobilisation will draw greater attention to the repressive tactics of authoritarian states.
• The stress of the pandemic and divisions within the international community militate against foreign interventions for regime change.
• Prolonged economic slumps in large parts of Africa and Asia will fuel public anger against incompetent autocrats.