The new Indonesian president, Joko Widodo ( “ Jokowi ” ), has faced formidable challenges on a number of fronts in his first year in office. Although Jokowi has managed to roll out his pet projects for the poor, management of competing partisan and personal interests as well as the economy and religious conflict continues to be a challenge. Overall, the new government ’ s contribution to democratic reforms has been modest thus far.

The year 2015 featured real and metaphorical battles in South Korea: face-offs between the executive and the legislature saw President Park Geun-hye duel with the non-Park faction in the ruling Saenuri Party and fend off the opposition, whose alliance struggled with infighting and subsequent fractures. The government waged war against a health epidemic and exchanged artillery fire with North Korea at the Demilitarized Zone. The by-elections in April 2015 augur the political stage for pending elections in 2016 and 2017.

The Sewol ferry tragedy revealed weaknesses in South Korea’s politics, economy, and society that had been sidestepped during economic development and political transition. The split in local elections, the Saenuri Party’s sweep in by-elections, and the installation of critics of President Park as leaders of the ruling party all underscore the public’s rejection of political stonewalling or politicking-as-usual.

Myanmar saw some progress in efforts at constitutional amendment and ceasefire negotiations, both pressing issues. Attempts to introduce proportional representation failed in the lower house of Parliament. Critics pointed out stalled reforms. The economy achieved high growth, and foreign direct investment increased. Myanmar reveled in its role as ASEAN chair and host for President Obama’s visit.

Reform politics in India reflects an increasing tendency for politicians and others to present themselves as icons of reforms. An analysis of the South Indian state of Karnataka from 1999 to 2001, the initial years of the term of Chief Minister S. M. Krishna, provides us insights into the precise role icons play in the politics of economic reform.