166-106 Colonial/Postcolonial S.E.Asian Politics

Usually 25 points of first year politics or first year Asian studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject introduces students to Southeast Asian history through questioning traditional modes of historical investigation and history writing. Students will discuss the role of the nation-state in Southeast Asia, and problematise the category in light of the ongoing conflicts over land and resources. The subject will challenge conventional approaches to descriptive terms, such as 'politics', 'culture', 'the village', 'centre-periphery', or 'authentic subjects', in relation to Southeast Asian societies. Students will examine constructions of the 'nation' and the 'state' since the 17th century and should become familiar with a number of critical studies of European colonialism(s): anti-colonial millenarian movements; saints and rebels; and local feminisms. Those who complete this subject should have an understanding of indigenous belief systems and practices; questions as to democratic reconstitution in government and society; debates about what is 'sustainable' development; and an understanding of 'politics' and the way the term is dis/engaged, resisted, ignored, transformed and/or transcended in Southeast Asia.