1. A Course Module on Southeast Asia in Comparative Politics Gang Guo, Ph.D. Croft Associate Professor Political Science & Int'l Studies The University of Mississippi

2. Teaching and Learning SEA The social and political volatility, dynamic, and diversity of the region present not only a daunting challenge for teaching but also a valuable opportunity for learning. As the world seems to be on an irreversible course toward increasing plurality, mixture, and interdependence, Southeast Asia in many ways resembles a microcosm of the world to be.

3. Teaching and Learning SEA We need a more flexible and complex perspective to study comparative politics –Conventional framework of demarcated boundaries of nation-states. –Conventional framework of a linear path of development toward developed countries. –Conventional framework of a dichotomous categorization of democracies versus autocracies.

4. Two Possible Approaches Country by country Thematic: four common challenges all states face historically or currently 1.building a nation-state 2.defining the role of religion 3.establishing democracy and rule of law 4.fostering economic development and fairness

5. Struggle for independence Japanese occupation (1941-1945) Colonial powers return (1945-early 1950s) Charismatic political leaders in the struggle for independence –Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh –Indonesia: Sukarno –Singapore: Lee Kuan Yew –Burma: Aung San

6. Their legacies Leaders of the independence movements Negotiations with colonial powers Charisma and popularity among public Long periods of authoritarian rule Today their political successors still play important roles in respective countries

7. Second-generation leaders After initial state & nation building, the 2nd generation leaders gained power through institutional and/or democratic means Long periods of authoritarian rule Long periods of economic growth –Philippines: Marcos (1965 - 1986) –Indonesia: Suharto (1968 - 1998) –Malaysia: Mahathir (1981 - 2003)

10. Corruption Perceptions Index 2010 ranking from most clean to most corrupt 1. Singapore (9.3) 38. Brunei (5.5) 56. Malaysia (4.4) 78. Thailand (3.5) 110. Indonesia (2.8) 116. Vietnam (2.7) 127. Timor-Leste (2.5) 134. Philippines (2.4) 154. Cambodia (2.1) 154. Laos (2.1) 176. Myanmar (1.4)

12. Income Inequality