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Full-Text Articles in Asian Studies

Contributors Jan 2004

Contributors

Asian Review

No abstract provided.


Introduction, Kullada Kesboonchoo Mead Jan 2003

Introduction, Kullada Kesboonchoo Mead

Asian Review

No abstract provided.


Rethinking The Cold War And The American Empire, Soravis Jayanama Jan 2003

Rethinking The Cold War And The American Empire, Soravis Jayanama

Asian Review

The end of the Cold War has renewed interest in Cold War historiography, leading to an explosion of academic literature in this field. A "new Cold War history" seems to be emerging, promising to offer a more international and less "orthodox" perspective, tapping on multi-archival sources. A spate of new works on the crucial and formative period of the Cold War (1945-52) has appeared, on the one hand, shedding a new light on the emergence of the postwar American empire and its foreign relations, and on the other hand, re-examining the role of the Soviet Union and its allies in …


Contesting Us Hegemony: A Case Study On Myanmar, Pin-Kwan Pratishthananda Jan 2003

Contesting Us Hegemony: A Case Study On Myanmar, Pin-Kwan Pratishthananda

Asian Review

In the "unipolar" world, the US claims to use its power to liberal states and civil societies. Myanmar is an anomaly, seemingly untouched by this influence. Since 1988, the military has vastly expanded its power and its roles in the society. The number of armed forces has increased. Intelligence gathering has proliferated. Military-created institutions have taken a larger role in the economy, generating more funds for various activities. The military has neutralized most of the ethnic insurgents, and created a wide range of organizations with roles in society. It has also inculcated an ideology in which the military is indispensable …


A Revisionist History Of Thai-Us Relations, Kullada Kesboonchoo Mead Jan 2003

A Revisionist History Of Thai-Us Relations, Kullada Kesboonchoo Mead

Asian Review

This paper breaks with the traditional approach to the study of Thai- US relations, and provides a different narrative. It takes a revisionist approach: the world after the Second World War cannot be simply viewed in bipolar terms. It examines how Thailand's political structures and political developments were influenced by its relationship with the leading superpower. The main goal of the US was to protect and enhance its business interests and as one element of its strategy to achieve this, it assigned a particular role to Thailand. The paper identifies various periods of Thai-US relations from the end of the …


The Trouble With Hegemony: Hegemonic Destabilization Theory, Jan Nederveen Pieterse Jan 2003

The Trouble With Hegemony: Hegemonic Destabilization Theory, Jan Nederveen Pieterse

Asian Review

This paper revisits hegemonic stability theory to examine whether hegemony, in terms of its major justifications, applies to the United States in the present period. The paper finds that over time, particularly since the end of the Cold War, the role of the United States has increasingly changed from hegemonic stabilization to destabilization. While hegemonic destabilization such as the unleashing of finance capital and military preparedness out of proportion to existing threats, has been noticeable since the Reagan period, recent American policies of aggressive unilateralism and deficit spending have been increasingly destabilizing. This holds implications for how we understand hegemony: …


"September 11" And The Changing Dynamics Of Malaysia-Us Relations, Khadijah Md. Khalid Jan 2003

"September 11" And The Changing Dynamics Of Malaysia-Us Relations, Khadijah Md. Khalid

Asian Review

The events of September 11 have changed US relations with Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region in general. Although Malaysia has been a long-term ally of the US, relations have been complicated by prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's anti-Western stand. Malaysia-US relations reached an all-time low during the East Asian economic crisis which began in 1997. Subsequently, Mahathir has been more conciliatory towards the US. However, the hawkish aggression of the US in Afghanistan and Iraq is again putting pressure on Malaysia-US ties. There is a risk that the US is forsaking its role as a beacon of democracy in the …


The Resurgence Of Us Influence On Thailand's Economy And Southeast Asia Policy, 1990-2001, Ukrist Pathmanand Jan 2003

The Resurgence Of Us Influence On Thailand's Economy And Southeast Asia Policy, 1990-2001, Ukrist Pathmanand

Asian Review

This article offers an unconventional approach to the study of US-Thai relations. The conventional approach emphasizes political, military, and security affairs but ignores the interrelationship between the economic and political roles of the US in Thai policy making. This study emphasizes the US economic influence in two periods: during the period of anti-communism in the Cold War era, and again during the financial crisis of 1997 onwards. The first of these periods was set within the context of the Cold War. The US promoted liberal development policies as part of anti-communist strategy. The second of these periods was set in …


The Far South Of Thailand In The Era Of The American Empire, 9/11 Version, And Thaksin's "Cash And Gung-Ho" Premiership, Surat Horachaikul Jan 2003

The Far South Of Thailand In The Era Of The American Empire, 9/11 Version, And Thaksin's "Cash And Gung-Ho" Premiership, Surat Horachaikul

Asian Review

Though Islam is a political factor throughout Southeast Asia, this paper argues that Islamic fundamentalism does not necessarily govern political life. It also questions generalizations about the increase in political Islamic fundamentalism in the region perceived by the press and American sympathizers. By sketching the roots of the violent conflict in the far south of Thailand, the predominantly Muslim region of the Kingdom, it argues that the violence has been caused not only by Islamic militants consisting of Thai terrorists and Muslim separatist groups who have sought foreign assistance and fought against the Thai state's oppression but also by the …


Cultural Diversity And Coexistence In Asia, Amara Pongsapic Jan 2003

Cultural Diversity And Coexistence In Asia, Amara Pongsapic

Asian Review

When the world was divided into capitalistic-democratic and socialist-communist regimes, most states in both camps as well as Third World countries adopted nationalism as a necessary ideology. National integration was perceived as not only necessary but possible only in a homogenous society. In many countries, cultural diversity existed but was not recognized in nation-building processes. After the fall of communist regimes at the turn of the decade, cultural pluralism became obvious in USSR and Eastern European countries. After 1989, in Eastern European countries where diversity was recognized, the concepts of civil society and good governance were promoted. Economic and social …


Contributors Jan 2003

Contributors

Asian Review

No abstract provided.


The Politics Of The Ngo Movement In Northeast Thailand, Somchai Phatharathananunt Jan 2002

The Politics Of The Ngo Movement In Northeast Thailand, Somchai Phatharathananunt

Asian Review

This paper examines the struggle of the NGO movement in northeast Thailand (Isan) during the 1980s and 1990s. The paper begins with analysis of the differences between the NGOs in the 1970s and in the post-1970s era. This analysis gives the background to the debate within Isan NGOs between the political economists, who engaged in political mobilization, and the community culturalists, who refrained from any kind of political mobilization. In the 1990s, the differences between the two sides were resolved in the course of struggle.


Contributors Jan 2002

Contributors

Asian Review

No abstract provided.


Ngos Organizing Cooperatives: The Philippine Experience, Teresa S. Encarnacion Tadem Jan 2002

Ngos Organizing Cooperatives: The Philippine Experience, Teresa S. Encarnacion Tadem

Asian Review

Pre-1986 Philippine governments promoted cooperatives as an anticommunist strategy but were unable to make them viable. After the People Power Revolusion of 1986, Left activists promoted cooperatives through NGOs to achieve social justice. Buscayno organized at the grassroots with support from the Aquino Administration. Morales worked at the centre to change the environment for cooperatives by legislation and budget support. The cooperative movement expanded rapidly, but faced huge problems: competition from rice cartels, mismanagement, natural disasters, the temptation for farmers to sell land to real estate developers, and shifts in political patronage. Despite these challenges, the movement continues to grow.


Breaking Free Through Oppositional Peasant Politics In The Philippines, Jaime Mendoza Jimenez Jan 2002

Breaking Free Through Oppositional Peasant Politics In The Philippines, Jaime Mendoza Jimenez

Asian Review

KMP is a peasant movement which draws its strength from local struggles. One example began in 1995 in Batangas when a property company seized land for a tourist development, with government backing. Local peasants blocked the development with human barricades. They formed an organization and allied to the national KMP. They were subject to bribery, intimidation, and selective murder. They responded by taking their case to the people at the local, national, and international level through demonstrations and networking. As a result, they were able to retain control of the land. The strength of the movement comes internally from the …


Environmental Social Movements In Thailand: A Critical Assessment, Tim Forsyth Jan 2002

Environmental Social Movements In Thailand: A Critical Assessment, Tim Forsyth

Asian Review

Much popular debate about social movements suggests that they are necessarily positive forces for democratization, and that alliances within social movements can be effective means of representing the interests of marginalized people. This paper critically assesses these statements in relation to social movements associated with opposition to the filming of the The Beach, and the debate concerning community forestry in Thailand. The paper argues that social movements may not be as representative as commonly thought, and that more attention needs to be paid to how social movements construct environmental norms as another means of politics.


Introduction, Pasuk Phongpaichit Jan 2002

Introduction, Pasuk Phongpaichit

Asian Review

No abstract provided.


Recent Popular Movements In Thailand In Global Perspective, Pasuk Phongpaichit Jan 2002

Recent Popular Movements In Thailand In Global Perspective, Pasuk Phongpaichit

Asian Review

The last decade has seen an explosion of popular movements in Thailand. Although many share characteristics with "new social movements" (identity issues, networking), they also resemble "old" movements in their class base and political concerns. Because Thailand had no mass nationalist or revolutionary movement, these movements are the first political assertion by the "little people". Many campaigns concern environmental destruction and competition over natural resources. Women have a large role, in contrast to the male domination of formal politics. Many issues are class-based but expressed in ways which facilitate cross-class alliances.


Social Movement Unionism And Economic Unionism In Thailand, Napaporn Ativanichayapong Jan 2002

Social Movement Unionism And Economic Unionism In Thailand, Napaporn Ativanichayapong

Asian Review

After the student uprising in 1973, Thai trade unions adopted social unionism. They allied with other forces, especially students, and promoted issues of benefit to other social classes. This phase ended with the coup of 1976. When union activity again became possible in the 1980s, the unions turned to economic unionism. They campaigned on issues of specific worker benefit (wages, social security), but allowed their alliances to decay, and forfeited broad support. In the 1990s, female workers again forged broad social alliances to fight campaigns on issues of specific female interest (maternity leave, occupational health). Because of its weakness, the …


Introduction, Piyanart Bunnag Jan 2001

Introduction, Piyanart Bunnag

Asian Review

No abstract provided.


No More Precious Wealth: Literature And Politics In Cambodia Since The Khmer Rouge Era, Klairung Amratisha Jan 2001

No More Precious Wealth: Literature And Politics In Cambodia Since The Khmer Rouge Era, Klairung Amratisha

Asian Review

Literature and politics have always been inextricably interlinked in modern Cambodian history but never so directly as in and after the Khmer Rouge era. The victory of the Khmer Rouge on 17 April 1975 caused radical changes in all aspect of Cambodian life. This paper is an attempt to examine the political factors which determined the direction of modern Cambodian literature from 1975 to the end of the twentieth century, starting with the destruction of literature under the Khmer Rouge control. Next, the use of literature as a propaganda tool of the government of the People Republic of Kampuchea during …


Buddhism And Its Impacts On Indian Society: The Untouchables Under The Shadow Of Buddhism, Banjob Bannaruji Jan 2001

Buddhism And Its Impacts On Indian Society: The Untouchables Under The Shadow Of Buddhism, Banjob Bannaruji

Asian Review

Over 2600 years, the caste system has lasted in Indian society. In the course of time, it has been more complicated and rigid, the complexity and rigidity has now been maintained under the Hindu norm. Buddhism, even poses against the caste system, has never rooted out the physical system. The Buddha accepted that the caste system was an obstacle to social justices, but not to enlightenment in terms of right view. So he launched a campaign to convert people to wisdom based on morality. He won much success and was so warmly welcomed by all classes and castes that he …


Visions Of Globalization: The Twenty-First Century Perspective, Asawin Nedpogaeo Jan 2001

Visions Of Globalization: The Twenty-First Century Perspective, Asawin Nedpogaeo

Asian Review

Globalization is often thought of as either the domination of one powerful nation-state over another, or the wholesale commoditization of society, in which large multinational corporations and their fluid capitals are usually the driving force. Rejecting both views, this article argues that the globalization process is far more complex and multidirectional in its probable consequences. More significant, it is beyond predictability to suggest what might be the actual outcome of globalization, of which both the global and the local are dynamically at play. What appears to take place instead, is the sense of cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism, felt in various ways …


A Linguistic And Anthropological Survey Of The Tibetan Borderland, Krisadawan Hongladarom Jan 2001

A Linguistic And Anthropological Survey Of The Tibetan Borderland, Krisadawan Hongladarom

Asian Review

This paper reports the linguistic and anthropological situation of an important but poorly documented region of Tibet, namely the cultural province of Kham. Characterized by "four rivers and six ranges, " the region n a historical frontier zone between Tibet proper and western provinces of China n has been a meeting place between the Tibetans and the Han Chinese and a common home for these peoples as well as other ethnic minorities. As an introduction to the ethnic and linguistic complexity of Kham, the paper pays a special attention to Gyalthang (Zhongdian), which is located on the southernmost tip of …


Contributors Jan 2001

Contributors

Asian Review

No abstract provided.


Is The Crisis Of 1997 A Watershed In Thailand's Political Development ? And Is There Any Forthcoming Solutions?, Suthiphand Chirathivat Jan 2001

Is The Crisis Of 1997 A Watershed In Thailand's Political Development ? And Is There Any Forthcoming Solutions?, Suthiphand Chirathivat

Asian Review

This article reveals lessons to be learned and important aspects of the Thai crisis of 1997 which were often misunderstood. It shows the country's weaknesses and vulnerability that led to the crisis and the aftermath impact that hed reached all quarters of the economy and society. Policy response after the crisis with the help of several institutions such as the IMF was keys to restoring economic confidence and recovery. The development process of the post-crisis on country's political development is also an integral part to understand the future of Thailand's economy and society beyond the recent turmoil, thus including themes …


For Better Or For Worse? : Female Labour Migration In Southeast Asia, Supang Chantavanich Jan 2001

For Better Or For Worse? : Female Labour Migration In Southeast Asia, Supang Chantavanich

Asian Review

This study focused on female labour migration from four countries in Southeast Asia; namely Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Yunnan- China. The research covered a sample of 387 female returnees from the a fore-mentioned countries who had migrated internationally for employment. The major findings for each of the countries's case studies are summarised as follows. They were engaged mainly in the services sector, i.e., engaged as domestic helpers, caregivers, entertainers and sex workers. Some were hired in the manufacturing sector and a few to do agricultural work. All migrants from Yunnan were undocumented while those from the other three countries were …


Progressive Women In Japan And Thailand During The Modernization Period: A Comparative Study, Pipada Yongcharoen Jan 2000

Progressive Women In Japan And Thailand During The Modernization Period: A Comparative Study, Pipada Yongcharoen

Asian Review

The Meiji Restoration and the reforms of King Rama V during the mid-nineteenth century produced great changes in the societies of both Japan and Thailand. One of the outstanding changes was the attempt to utilize aspects of western culture in order to modernize the respective countries. It is clear that some Japanese and Thai intellectuals were influenced by western thought in analyzing problems in their societies. The problem concerning the status of women in the two societies was one of the issues which interested Japanese and Thai intellectuals. Fukuzawa Yukichi and Thienwan were examples of intellectuals who discourses at great …


Voc Participation In Siamese Society During The Late Ayutthaya Period (1688-1767), Dhiravat Na Pombejra Jan 2000

Voc Participation In Siamese Society During The Late Ayutthaya Period (1688-1767), Dhiravat Na Pombejra

Asian Review

This paper examines the roles played by employees of the Dutch United East India Company (VOC) in late seventeenth and in eighteenth century Ayutthaya Society. The Dutch were in Siam primarily to trade, but they were also given formal standing in court society by the Siamese. The head of the Dutch community in Ayutthaya, a European merchant with Siamese rank and title, therefore had social functions to attend within the pluralistic society of the Siamese capital, both at court and outside the court. The paper analyses the different ways in which the Dutch interacted with Siamese society during the Late …


Introduction, Piyanart Bunnag Jan 2000

Introduction, Piyanart Bunnag

Asian Review

No abstract provided.