The significance of nationalism and globalism as major trends of ideologies within the region of Southeast Asia that governs its nations’ interactions with global powers and alliances.
Thai protest over nationalism
Viet anti-China protest
Key Takeaways
“Nationalism is a double edged sword. Its presence could unite the citizens of a nation together to work towards a common goal for the better of the country’s future … In the context of Southeast Asia, that would strengthen a country’s economy and possibly cause other countries in Southeast Asia to benefit as a result. … However, nationalism may also pose a challenge to the unity of the Southeast Asian countries. As countries become increasingly nationalistic, they may isolate themselves from other Southeast Asian countries… Hence it is pivotal to understand the history of nationalism as an ideology”
“Although Southeast Asia can arguably be defined geographically, the term Southeast Asia itself is somewhat reductionist as it implies that it is one homogenous monolith, which is not necessarily true in reality as one considers the varying cultures, religion, levels of Western influence and differing colonial histories among other factors. … the differences between any Southeast Asian regional groups are clearly demarcated, meaning that regional cooperation will become harder and make the effects of other factors such as decolonization stronger … thus leading them to find a national identity instead of a regional one.”
“The meaning of nationalism began to change during this point in time (the Cold War). It could be argued that most Southeast Asian countries were still under foreign influence, from either the Eastern or Western bloc. … they had to choose between the ““neo-colonial” option of continuing openness to Western capital ... and the “anti-imperialist” option of state-socialist nationalisation of economies and incorporation within the Soviet Bloc". The countries are now not as much focused on the more romantic notion of nationalism in the sense of a free and politically independent nation state, but rather more focused on their values and the economy.”
“there are two main reasons for the rise of modern nationalism in Southeast Asia, .. A) failure of earlier nationalist movements, B) and the changing political landscape in Southeast Asian nations … the first signs of nationalism were mainly focused on liberating Southeast Asia from colonial rule, but little developments have been made between this time and modern day.”
“The Ukrainian invasion is a reverberating reminder for Southeast Asian states that dissuades gullible reliance or dependence on other nations for defence and support. … Relating to the issue of nationalism, as well as due to the fact that nationalism does not directly hinder globalism as commonly understood … it possibly is a safer option for Southeast Asian countries as a whole to aim for political neutrality yet leap not to appeasement as to gradually lose their hard-earned independence.”
“The ideology of nationalism was popularised due to the times of crisis … Past and present, ideas of nationalism have affected regional cooperation and relations in Southeast Asia. … In the future, this means that nationalism could disrupt the relations between countries in Southeast Asia as global superpowers continue to invest and influence politics in the region. … Despite these possible disruptions, Southeast Asian countries still continue to maintain good relations, … pointing to continued cooperation in the region.”
The essay unpacks how nationalism in Southeast Asia has evolved alongside historical and present-day developments. The team points out that despite divergent national interests, Southeast Asian countries nonetheless converge over the need to preserve soveriegnty and ward off interference from external actors. By drawing on the Russo-Ukraine conflict and Western intervention in the Beijing-Taipei confrontation, the paper analyses what the future might hold for Southeast Asia as it navigates competing Chinese and Western interests. In the face of ever-present change and an increasingly uncertain future, the team suggests that what matters is not what is to come, but rather how the region might shape the unknown — and if it will do so while united, or apart.
Participants
Saruj (Ton) Somnug
Neo Jin Kai Jonathan
Justin Liu Zi Ang
Hoang Nhat Minh
Neo Jin Kai Jonathan
Justin Liu Zi Ang
Hoang Nhat Minh
Mentor
Megan Yeo
