Asia's power shift: Strong leaders, technology, and tradition.

Decoding Asia's Power Shift: Strong Leaders, Tech Revolutions, and the Return to Tradition

Reese Marlowe in Global Affairs August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigating Economic Growth, Geopolitical Tensions, and Emerging Trends in Asia"

Asia in 2017 presented a landscape of both promise and peril. On the economic front, the region displayed robust growth, outpacing global averages. Developing Asia, excluding Japan, surged ahead with an impressive 6% growth rate, a trend expected to continue. While economic juggernauts like China and India led the way, smaller economies experienced even faster expansion, signaling a dynamic and diverse economic environment.

However, this rosy economic outlook was tempered by political and geopolitical uncertainties. The inauguration of Donald Trump in the United States introduced new trade anxieties, particularly concerning access to the lucrative US market. Simultaneously, simmering tensions in perennial flashpoints across the region kept political analysts on high alert.

This article delves into the key economic and political conditions that defined Asia in 2017, setting the stage for understanding the region's evolving trajectory. From the rise of strongman leadership to the resurgence of tradition and China's expanding influence, we explore the trends shaping Asia's future.

The Rise of the Strongman and Nationalistic Reassertion

Asia's power shift: Strong leaders, technology, and tradition.

One of the most notable trends in Asia is the emergence of stronger national leadership, often embodied by the "strongman" figure. This phenomenon reflects a perceived need for security and order in the face of economic inequality and territorial disputes. While not entirely new to Asia, this resurgence of strong leadership takes on a distinct 21st-century form. Leaders like Vladimir Putin have set a pattern, where legitimacy is less about ideology or military might and more about a mixed approach that maintains formal democratic institutions while consolidating power through media influence and the weakening of opposition.

Several factors contribute to this trend:

Economic Disparities: Uneven distribution of wealth creates social unrest and a demand for decisive leadership.
Geopolitical Tensions: Territorial disputes and regional conflicts fuel a desire for strong national defense and assertive foreign policy.
Perceived Democratic Dysfunction: Frustration with political gridlock and corruption leads to a yearning for leaders who can "get things done."
Nationalistic Sentiment: A resurgence of national pride and cultural identity strengthens support for leaders who champion national interests.

This trend is exemplified by leaders like Xi Jinping in China, whose consolidation of power has been accompanied by a sweeping anti-corruption campaign and the enshrining of his "thought" into the Party constitution. Similarly, Hun Sen in Cambodia has employed strong-arm tactics to maintain his grip on power. While these leaders may differ in their approaches, they share a common thread: a focus on consolidating authority and projecting an image of strength and decisiveness.

Asia's Shifting Landscape

Asia in 2017 was a region in flux, grappling with both economic opportunities and political challenges. The rise of strongman leadership, the tech-driven development initiatives, and the resurgence of tradition all point to a region undergoing profound transformation. As China's influence continues to grow and geopolitical tensions simmer, understanding these trends is crucial for navigating the complexities of Asia's evolving landscape.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1525/as.2018.58.1.1, Alternate LINK

Title: Asia In 2017

Subject: Sociology and Political Science

Journal: Asian Survey

Publisher: University of California Press

Authors: Lowell Dittmer

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What was the economic growth rate in developing Asia in 2017, and what factors contributed to this?

In 2017, Asia, excluding Japan, experienced substantial economic growth, averaging around 6%. This growth was fueled by both economic powerhouses like China and India, as well as smaller economies that saw even more rapid expansion. This economic performance was viewed as promising; however, it also came with concerns regarding political and geopolitical uncertainties, such as potential trade anxieties due to changes in US policy.

What are the primary drivers behind the emergence of "strongman" leadership in Asia?

The rise of "strongman" leadership in Asia is driven by several factors. These include economic disparities leading to social unrest, geopolitical tensions fueling a desire for strong national defense, frustration with perceived democratic dysfunction, and a resurgence of nationalistic sentiment. These leaders often consolidate power by maintaining formal democratic institutions while using media influence and weakening opposition.

Who are some examples of strong leaders in Asia, and what tactics have they used to consolidate power?

Examples of strong leaders include Xi Jinping in China, who has consolidated power through an anti-corruption campaign and the incorporation of his ideologies into the Party constitution. Another example is Hun Sen in Cambodia, who has employed strong tactics to maintain his position. These leaders may have different methods, but share a focus on consolidating authority and projecting strength.

How does the resurgence of tradition contribute to the rise of nationalistic sentiment and strong leadership in Asia?

The re-emergence of tradition contributes to the rise of nationalistic sentiment. This trend strengthens support for leaders who champion national interests and cultural identity. It is interlinked with a perceived need for security and order, as well as a reaction against perceived democratic dysfunction, leading people to seek leaders who promise to restore traditional values and national pride.

What were the key economic promises and anxieties that shaped the Asian landscape in 2017?

While economic growth in developing Asia, excluding Japan, showed great promise, anxieties arose due to political and geopolitical uncertainties. The election of Donald Trump in the United States introduced new trade concerns, particularly regarding access to the US market. Furthermore, ongoing tensions in various regional flashpoints added to the complex conditions that defined the landscape.