State and Sub-State Nationalism in Southeast Asia

Sub-state nationalism is linked to lack of inclusion and authoritarian implementation of post-independence state nationalism.

Jacques Bertrand (Author)

9781009583060, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 January 2025

78 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.6 cm, 0.249 kg

Nationalism is a political phenomenon with deep roots in Southeast Asia. Yet, state attempts to create homogenous nations met with resistance. This Element focuses on understanding the rise and subsequent ebbing of sub-state nationalist mobilization in response to state nationalism. Two factors allowed sub-state nationalist movements to be formed and persist: first, state nationalisms that were insufficiently inclusive; second, the state's use of authoritarian tools to implement its nationalist agenda. But Southeast Asian states were able to reduce sub-state nationalist mobilization when they changed their policies to meet two conditions: i) some degree of explicit recognition of the distinctiveness of groups; ii) institutional flexibility toward regional/local territorial units to accommodate a high degree of group self-governance. The Element focuses on four states in the region – namely Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Myanmar.

1. Nationalism: definition and scope
2. State nationalism and sub-state nationalist mobilization
3. The Philippines
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
Conclusion
References.

Subject Areas: Constitution: government & the state [JPHC]