Podcast
Questions and Answers
What major factor contributes to the discontent of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka?
What major factor contributes to the discontent of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka?
Which event significantly impacted the population dynamics in India since independence?
Which event significantly impacted the population dynamics in India since independence?
Which province is disputed between India, Pakistan, and China?
Which province is disputed between India, Pakistan, and China?
What was the estimated death toll during the Tamil struggle for autonomy in Sri Lanka?
What was the estimated death toll during the Tamil struggle for autonomy in Sri Lanka?
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What is the predominant religion of the Sinhalese ethnic group in Sri Lanka?
What is the predominant religion of the Sinhalese ethnic group in Sri Lanka?
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Which of the following crises directly illustrates the Malthusian challenges faced by South Asia?
Which of the following crises directly illustrates the Malthusian challenges faced by South Asia?
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What code did the Taliban enforce upon gaining control of most of Afghanistan?
What code did the Taliban enforce upon gaining control of most of Afghanistan?
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What aspect of population composition does India struggle with according to the content?
What aspect of population composition does India struggle with according to the content?
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What action did Pakistan take after 9/11 regarding U.S. military operations?
What action did Pakistan take after 9/11 regarding U.S. military operations?
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Which nation conducted nuclear tests shortly after India in 1998, adding to regional tensions?
Which nation conducted nuclear tests shortly after India in 1998, adding to regional tensions?
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What has North Korea leveraged to obtain supplies from the international community?
What has North Korea leveraged to obtain supplies from the international community?
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What was the purpose of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty?
What was the purpose of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty?
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Which initiative has raised concerns from India about China's intentions in Asia?
Which initiative has raised concerns from India about China's intentions in Asia?
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What challenges does the Green Revolution face in South Asia?
What challenges does the Green Revolution face in South Asia?
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Which region is most affected by catastrophic flooding due to rising sea levels?
Which region is most affected by catastrophic flooding due to rising sea levels?
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What environmental issues does the Maldives face due to climate change?
What environmental issues does the Maldives face due to climate change?
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Which of the following religions originated in India?
Which of the following religions originated in India?
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What major cultural development is attributed to Korea?
What major cultural development is attributed to Korea?
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Which statement about the effects of European colonization in Asia is true?
Which statement about the effects of European colonization in Asia is true?
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Which of the following countries is NOT classified among the 'Asian Tigers'?
Which of the following countries is NOT classified among the 'Asian Tigers'?
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Which historical event is associated with the Opium Wars?
Which historical event is associated with the Opium Wars?
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What impact did the independence movements in the 20th century have on colonial possessions in Asia?
What impact did the independence movements in the 20th century have on colonial possessions in Asia?
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Which of the following best describes the economic condition in Asia as of the late 20th century?
Which of the following best describes the economic condition in Asia as of the late 20th century?
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What is a key feature of the 'Asian Tigers' economies?
What is a key feature of the 'Asian Tigers' economies?
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Study Notes
Cultural and Historical Geographies
- Southeast Asia is a vast geographic region, stretching from Myanmar in the west to the Philippines in the east and southward to Indonesia.
- The region is home to some of the world's oldest and most alluring historical sites.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites provide a window into the region's religious practices, culture, and heritage.
- Eight notable UNESCO sites are highlighted.
Cultural Developments
- First movable printing type developed in Korea.
- Gunpowder, paper, silk, and porcelain originated in China.
- Hinduism and Buddhism originated in India.
- Domesticated plants and animals in the region include rice, cabbage, chickens, water buffalo, zebu cattle, and pigs.
Religions and Belief Systems
- Belief systems practiced by a quarter of the world's population originated in Southeast Asia.
- Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism are among them.
- Other practices include Shintoism, ancestor veneration, and animism.
Effects of European Colonization
- Portugal and Spain were among the first to extend economic and political control over South and Southeast Asia.
- European colonial possessions in Asia gained independence after World War II.
- Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.
- Portugal returned Macau to China in 1999.
The Opium Wars
- Great Britain struggled with a trade imbalance with China, importing large quantities of tea.
- The East India Company began selling opium to British traders, shipped to China, despite China's ban.
- The increased opium trade led to a significant trade imbalance for China and increased addiction and social problems.
- China made repeated attempts to ban the trade, which were unsuccessful.
- The British and Chinese engaged in a conflict in 1839 that resulted in the Opium Wars.
- The Treaty of Nanjing, signed in 1842, ended the first Opium War, with China ceding Hong Kong to Britain and agreeing to increase the number of treaty ports available to British traders.
Economic Geography
- Southeast Asia's economies are among the world's fastest-growing.
- There’s a substantial gap between rich and poor economies.
- "Asian Tigers" represent strong, industrialized, export-oriented economies (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore).
- Japan leads Asia in value-added manufacturing.
China's Surging Economy
- China's average annual growth rate has been 9% since 1990.
- Significant investment in China is linked to disinvestment elsewhere, particularly in Southeast Asia.
- China's manufacturing sector is now the world's largest for personal computers and smartphones.
The Green Revolution
- Scientific methods are utilized to boost food yields.
- It is meant to stave off hunger and boost export income.
- There are unintended consequences such as ecological damage, financial obstacles, and economic dislocations—large infusions of agricultural chemicals; reduction of genetic variability of crops were issues that arose.
Geopolitical Issues
- Bangladesh and the Maldives are subject to catastrophic flooding and frequent hurricanes.
- Increased runoff from the Himalayas due to deforestation is a problem.
- Rising sea levels are a significant concern for the Maldives, where 80% of the land area is less than 3 feet above sea level.
Pakistan Since 9/11
- Pakistan allowed the U.S. to operate within the country to prepare for the assault on the Taliban and al-Qa'ida in Afghanistan.
- The U.S. forgave much of Pakistan's debt and lifted economic sanctions following post-nuclear test sanctions.
Nationalism and Nuclear Weapons
- The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty prohibits nuclear testing and was signed globally in 1996.
- In 1998, India conducted three underground nuclear tests in the Thar Desert, followed by Pakistan conducting six nuclear tests.
Korean Culture Café
- This will be hosted by Prof. Min-Jung Kwak & Prof. Seunghee Yang.
- Activities include trying on a traditional hanbok, playing games, learning about Korean life, and enjoying Korean snacks.
- The event is on Monday, November 4th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in AT 340 (CLAR).
What Does North Korea Want?
- A reunited Korea is one goal.
- North Korea's nuclear weapons program gives them leverage when acquiring supplies.
- Six-Party talks, a series of on-again/off-again negotiations with respect to North Korea, occurred in 2007.
China's Belt and Road Initiative
- India warns that the Belt and Road Initiative is a strategy for China to dominate Asia.
- China's initiative as encirclement by China and use of Sri Lankan ports is viewed as a key part of this plan.
Regional Issues and Landscapes
- Sectarianism and strife in South Asia, especially in India and Pakistan, due to large religious differences between Hindus and Muslims, and the disputed region of Kashmir.
- Sri Lanka’s ethnic issues between Sinhalese and Tamils, with significant conflict between 1983-2009.
South Asia (keeping Malthus at Bay)
- India's population has surged from approximately 352 million in 1947 to 1.3 billion in 2014.
- There is also a large number of the population considered "abjectly poor" at 32%.
- Agricultural output is growing, but women are still outnumbered by men in the population.
Afghanistan (Graveyard of Empires)
- The Taliban overthrew the Communist government in 1992 and engaged in civil warfare.
- The Taliban gained control of most of Afghanistan by 1996.
- Strict Islamic law was implemented across the country.
- Following 9/11, the U.S. engaged in a “war on terror” aimed at eliminating both the Taliban and al-Qa'ida.
Misrule in Myanmar
- Myanmar has been in constant civil war since independence from the British Commonwealth in 1948.
- Since 1999, the government has been reaching cease-fire agreements with most of the country’s ethnic groups.
- Myanmar is considered one of the world's most repressive countries.
China: Han Colonization of China's Wild West
- China's growth as a land empire included the subjugation of various ethnic groups.
- There are at least 56 non-Han ethnic groups in China.
- The Western Big Development Project aims to improve livelihoods to decrease separatist desires.
- Tibet has a long history of struggle for independence.
Taiwan and the Two Chinas Problem
- Taiwan is separated from mainland China by the 160 km wide Taiwan Strait with significant territorial disputes.
- There are disagreements about the classification as "One China" and the role of Taiwan’s relationship with China.
- The U.S. has historically supported Nationalist claims to Taiwan but did a U-turn in recognition of China’s claim to sovereignty in 1979.
Post-War Japan
- Japan’s population is extremely homogeneous, with 99.5% ethnic Japanese.
- Low birth rates, at 8 births per 1,000 annually, pose a significant population challenge.
- The population shrinkage of Japan will likely increase taxes and family obligations to provide for the aging population.
Maritime Conflict
- Various countries (South Korea, Japan, China, etc.) have disputes over maritime boundaries such as sea lanes in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
China: The Three Gorges Dam
- The Yangtze River is China's 3rd longest river, originating in Tibet and flowing 6,300 km into the East China Sea.
- It's a crucial agricultural zone, with substantial rice and wheat farming.
- The Yangtze has been prone to catastrophic flooding in the past, affecting millions, including 300 million in 1998 leading to $24 billion in estimated damages.
- The Three Gorges Dam, begun in 1994 and completed in 2009, is the world’s largest dam and hydropower plant.
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Description
Explore the rich cultural and historical landscapes of Southeast Asia, ranging from ancient heritage sites to the birthplaces of major religions. This quiz highlights significant developments, such as early innovations and belief systems that have shaped the region. Test your knowledge on the fascinating cultures and histories that have emerged from this diverse area.
