The Approaches to Democracy and Human Rights: A Note

This article endeavors to deal with the theoretical framework of the approach of Southeast Asian states to democracy and human rights and to trace the contemporary developmental trajectory of liberal democracy and democracy in Southeast Asian states. It suggests that what is required is the eventual convergence of the positive values of liberal democracy (respect for rule of law and the protection of human rights) and positive Southeast Asian values (respect for authority, strong families, and reverence for education, hard work, frugality, and team work). That is, the positive values of liberal democracy are required for the assurance of human rights protection, and positive Southeast Asian values are required for the maintenance of cultural identity. Nonetheless, this article articulates that democracy does not necessarily lead to the assurance of human rights.