Hasina, Assad—Who’s Next?
The political landscape is shifting. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned amidst massive student and public protests, fleeing the country and marking the end of her 16-year rule.
Four months later, another authoritarian regime collapsed as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled his country on Sunday (December 8) following an armed rebel operation, ending his two-decade grip on power.
These back-to-back events have sparked a global debate: Hasina is gone, Assad is gone—who’s next?
Several countries remain under autocratic or dictatorial regimes, with democratic processes either severely restricted or entirely dismantled. Power in these nations is often concentrated in the hands of one individual, a ruling party, or the military. The following regimes are now under increased scrutiny as potential candidates for the next fall:
1. North Korea
Under Kim Jong Un's strict control, North Korea allows almost no freedom of expression. Any dissent against the ruling Kim family is swiftly and brutally suppressed, fostering a climate of totalitarianism.
2. China
While officially a socialist state, China operates under the centralized authority of the Communist Party (CPC). President Xi Jinping has consolidated his power, signaling a move toward an increasingly authoritarian model.
3. Belarus
Alexander Lukashenko has maintained an iron grip on Belarus for decades. Accusations of election fraud and the suppression of opposition have solidified his reputation as an autocratic leader.
4. Venezuela
Under Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela has drifted far from democratic norms. The regime has been marked by political repression, control over media, and a monopolization of state institutions.
5. Russia
Vladimir Putin's long tenure has seen Russia adopt increasingly authoritarian policies, including crackdowns on opposition parties, independent media, and civil society organizations.
6. Myanmar
Following a military coup in 2021, Myanmar is under the control of a military junta. Widespread violence and political oppression characterize the current regime.
7. Iran
Despite being an Islamic republic, Iran’s supreme authority lies with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The regime faces consistent allegations of suppressing political dissent and curbing social freedoms.
8. Cambodia
Cambodia, under the long-standing rule of Hun Sen, has often been described as a de facto authoritarian state. Following his son Hun Manet’s rise to power in 2023, concerns have grown about potential uprisings inspired by events in Bangladesh.
Other Authoritarian Hotspots
Dictatorial regimes also persist in countries such as Tajikistan, Eritrea, Turkmenistan, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Uganda. These nations, too, remain under observation as global pressure for democratization continues to mount.
As history has shown, even the most entrenched regimes are not immune to collapse when faced with sustained public dissent and international scrutiny. The question remains: Who will be next to fall?
