Topic 9: National self-determination in South-East Asia (1945–   )

Since 1945 the South-East Asian region has seen the rapid growth of nationalism and a desire for economic and political independence. As European empires struggled in the aftermath of the Second World War, political movements, ideas, and leaders sought to remove the foreign presence and attain self-determination. The result is a modern South East Asia that has forged national borders and applied different approaches to the construction of national identity.

Students may choose to focus on one case, or on a comparison of two or more cases. These may be chosen from, but are not limited to, Burma, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Malaya/Malaysia, and Singapore.

The following are focus areas for study in this topic:

• the case for national self-determination
• building national identity
• the impact of significant individuals, groups, and movements
• the new nation state.

The case for national self-determination

• An overview of South-East Asia between 1945 and c.2005, to explore the decline of imperialism and the growth of nation states. Examples include the importance of perceived cultural, religious, or ethnic uniqueness; reactions to imperial economic systems and the influence of ideology; and the debate between those who advocated for self-determination and those in favour of retaining imperial rule.

Building national identity

• Exploration of the methods used to advance self-determination and those used to retain imperial rule. Examples include the formation of political parties and resistance groups; the use of armed power; the establishment of international and national support networks; civil disobedience; the role of women in social, political, and economic change; the formalisation of national languages; education systems; the popularisation of national dress; and propaganda.

The impact of significant individuals, groups, and movements

• The impact of significant individuals, groups, and movements in supporting and opposing the creation of a new state. Examples include the role and impact of foreign powers and structures (including the United Nations), and their role in supporting or opposing self-determination.

New nation state

• The formal establishment of a shared concept of national identity. Examples include the economic, social, and political systems adopted by new nations; the degree to which the outcomes of the struggle for self-determination have been realised or compromised; and the consideration of those ethnic groups whose interests were not served by the new nation state.