iLearnforum

Area: SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES

Module Title: Comparative Government and Politics in Southeast Asia

Instructor Name : Thaveeporn Vasavakul

Contact Hours : 45 hours

Language of Instruction : English

Schedule : 04 Oct 2027 - 27 Dec 2027

Details :

This online course examines modern political institutions in Southeast Asia and their underlying concepts through thematic comparisons. It groups selected countries by their revolutionary experience: the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia underwent political revolutions, while Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar experienced varying forms and degrees of socialist transformation. The course examines Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos as former French Indochina and contrasts their experience with Myanmar’s distinct trajectory. These comparisons develop participants’ empirical knowledge and analytical understanding of continuity and change within countries and across mainland and maritime Southeast Asia. They also lay the groundwork for studying post-Cold War intra-regional relations, ASEAN integration, and international relations in the Mekong subregion. The course begins by tracing political change in the selected countries from their respective political, national, or social revolutions to 2025. This historical foundation supports later sessions on ideology and identity in the 21st century and regional integration. Across these periods, the course examines traditional political concepts and their influence on modern institutions; economic development and the rise of social classes; cultural change and identity; the relationship between economic growth and democratic transition; and the emergence of a regional order through ASEAN. Particular attention is given to actors operating at different levels within local contexts and to how and why they rejected, appropriated, or adapted the modern concepts and institutions they encountered. By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply comparative concepts to Southeast Asian government and politics; explain the relationship between political institutions, economic development, and social change; compare democratization, socialist transformation, reform, and patterns of rule across the selected countries; and connect country-level developments to ASEAN integration and relations in the Mekong subregion. Course readings combine texts in history, political science, economics, and anthropology by Western and Southeast Asian scholars with essays and short stories by Southeast Asian writers. A list of references, core readings, and recommended readings will be provided. Core books are available for purchase. Required readings may need to be purchased, may be freely accessible online, or may be provided by iLearnforum. This course suits advanced students and professionals interested in modern Southeast Asian politics and government.

PDF File

Module Description-Comparative Government and Politics of SEA (Oct 2026).pdf

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