About this episode

Annie Zaman discusses the challenges and transformations of democracy in Asia, emphasizing the role of youth and journalism.

In Episode 5 of Season 4 of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, we sat down with Annie Zaman, journalist, media development specialist, and co-founder of Exile Hub , to explore the evolving landscape of democracy across Asia at a moment of growing pressure, transformation, and resilience during our #GDCAsiaRegionalMonth. Drawing on over two decades of experience supporting independent media and freedom of expression, Annie reflects on what it takes to move from moments of democratic opening to lasting democratic change. From Myanmar to Pakistan and beyond, she shares insights into why democratic breakthroughs so often struggle to consolidate, and what is needed to sustain them over time. Throughout the conversation, she highlights how the nature of democratic challenges is shifting. Authoritarianism is no longer expressed only through overt repression, but increasingly through more complex and systemic pressures, from disinformation and surveillance to the erosion of civic space and public trust. At the same time, she emphasizes the critical role of journalism, civil society, and democratic institutions in maintaining accountability and preserving democratic gains. The conversation…

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