In Southeast Asia, civil society organization has often been weak since states in the region have been predominantly authoritarian. Yet, as Meredith Weiss argues, civil society has not been absent. States in Southeast Asia have often allowed some autonomous political organization in response to rising social forces and economic development. Civil society organizations might not have triggered democratization but have often pressured states successfully to liberalize, allowing more participation and freedom of political action even under sustained authoritarian or semi-authoritarian settings. Their character as well suggests a broader range than usually associated with civil society, including religious organizations and some organizations that are not likely to favor democratic politics. Broadly speaking, civil society organizations might not have the strength to lead political change but have nudged authoritarian states towards more compromise and openness (Weiss, 2008).