 Democracy in the Asia-Pacific region is defined by cultural, political and economic diversity. Yet recently, authoritarianism has been on the rise, with the most dramatic democratic reversals taking place in Myanmar, Hong Kong and Afghanistan. And many countries have taken advantage of the pandemic to restrict rights, especially freedom of expression. Moreover, democracy has been eroding, especially in India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, where ethno-nationalism, polarization and the militarisation of politics have become concerns. Still, there is resilience. Many democracies have successfully curbed the pandemic while respecting democratic principles. And countries from Vanuatu to South Korea and from Mongolia to Australia have managed to innovatively organise free and safe elections. Protests across Asia, despite the pandemic restrictions and authoritarian clampdowns, show people demand a say. Never has there been a more urgent need for democracies to deliver on their promise, rebuild trust in institutions and prevent more decay. Visit www.idea.int to read the Global State of Democracy 2021 report.