Challenges to Nationhood in Continental Southeast Asia (PDF)

Challenges to Nationhood of Continental Southeast Asian Countries after the Bandung Conference OBJECTIVE To examine the challenges to nationhood in continental Southeast Asia after the Bandung Conference. BANDUNG CONFERENCE The biggest meeting of African and Asian countries held in 1955 in Bandu...

Challenges to Nationhood of Continental Southeast Asian Countries after the Bandung Conference OBJECTIVE To examine the challenges to nationhood in continental Southeast Asia after the Bandung Conference. BANDUNG CONFERENCE The biggest meeting of African and Asian countries held in 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia. The conference’s objectives include the establishment of economic and cultural cooperation and opposition of colonialism and neocolonialism. CAMBODIA Founding of the Khmer Rouge (Red Khmer; army) led by Saloth Sar or Pol Pot. Pol Pot, gaining influence, changed Cambodia’s name to Kampuchea and marked the beginning of a communist regime. Pol Pot became Prime Minister and in the three years under the Khmer Rouge, genocide and grave abuse took place. See Killing Fields. In 1979, the Khmer Rouge was removed, Phnom Penh was reclaimed and the People’s Republic of Kampuchea was established through Vietnam’s support. Therefore, VIETNAM removed Pol Pot from power. Vietnam “helped” topple the Khmer Rouge because of the group’s constant attack in Vietnamese provinces which angered the government. LAOS The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a communist state was established in 1975. Poverty-stricken, scarcity of food pushed the citizens to escape to neighboring Thailand. Most bombed country on earth (nine years = 260 million bombs or 79,000 bombs a day!) The USSR’s Mikhail Gorbachev encouraged Laos to implement reforms. When these changes happened, the US lifted the trade embargo and economic assistance poured in the 2000s. Still “experimenting” on capitalism. MYANMAR Because of the government’s failure to bring the country to full economic development, General Ne Win launched a coup in 1962 and a socialist government was formed. Burma became a police state that did all means to silence the opposition. The economy of Burma suffered due to lack of reforms and human rights violation became widespread. Despite opposition strictly forbidden, pro-democracy movements emerged, among which, the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi. In 1989, Martial Law was declared, Burma changed its name to Myanmar (as mentioned in first quarter) and Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest. Because of her peaceful efforts, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. Myanmar is still under military rule with Aung San Suu Kyi in a cycle of house arrest and being freed. Another issue of Myanmar: Muslim group called Rohingya from the Rakhine region – citizenless so these people do not get any rights. THAILAND Returned some territories from Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia after WWII. Was under military rule but this was weak thus, overthrown. In fact, Thai history was characterized by alternating rule of civilians and military. Controversial figure in the 2000s was Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In 2021, Free Youth protested for reforms in Thailand including reforms for the monarchy. King = symbol only. Regardless of the habit of replacing leaders every now and then by junta, Thailand improved after the war. VIETNAM In its goal to contain the spread of communism, America went to war in Vietnam that lasted for almost 21 years. North and South Vietnam merged as one country. Realization: severe destruction brought by the war. Agent Orange - poison (herbicide) used by the Americans to eliminate forest cover and crops of North Vietnam and communists. Agent Orange was also sprayed in Cambodia and Laos. Joined the United Nations in 1977 so communist China cut off its aid. Soviet Union helped so as the United Nations. Despite Vietnamese seeking refuge all over Southeast Asia for its economy, it started economic reforms in the 90s and the US lifted its trade embargo. Still led by a communist party.