Why did Asian authoritarians democratise? Professor Joseph Wong

Professor Joseph Wong argues that Asian authoritarian regimes conceded multi-party elections, in order to thrive, presuming they would win. Curious? I have a few questions. How do we know this? Is it contingent on growth, or wider international pressure for democracy? Why doesn't China concede democracy? And does this theory also explain democratic backsliding? Listen, and read the link below. Share your comments. We'd love to hear from you. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/perspectives-on-politics/article/strength-to-concede-ruling-parties-and-democratization-in-developmental-asia/567D16100F26FB97866BEFA9A63357DE