Southeast Asia: Challenges of the 21st Century

The economic aspects of security in the Asia/pacific region

Abstract: (1995). The economic aspects of security in the Asia/pacific region. Journal of Strategic Studies: Vol. 18, The Transformation of Security in the Asia/Pacific Region, pp. 32-51.

How the World Bank manages social risks: implementation of the Social Risk Mitigation Project in Turkey

Abstract: This paper aims to assess the World Bank’s social risk management approach to poverty by focusing on the implementation details of the Social Risk Mitigation Project in Turkey, a World Bank project that depends on this approach. The paper looks at the approach through the concept of neoliberal governmentality, as an attempt to produce responsible poor citizens during a period when the responsibility for providing social services is transferred to the market and the family. By using field research it demonstrates that, with the intervention of local factors, several unintended consequences emerge in the implementation of a social risk management project. The article concludes that these outcomes, although not planned or intended, have all been instrumental in depoliticising poverty and the poor in the country. Moreover, in spite of all the problems and dissatisfaction, thanks to the Bank’s own portrayal, this project has contributed to the image of the Bank as a development institution that achieves succes...

A Literature Survey of Educational, Political, and Economic Challenges in the ASEAN Countries: A Critical Analysis

Abstract: It is now obvious that numerous issues need to be considered to make the ASEAN Community (AC) a reality rather than an illusion. The current state of education, economy, and politics in ASEAN remains far from satisfactory in achieving the desired vision in the ASEAN Charter and goals in its three blueprints: the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint. Thus, ignoring challenges and opportunities presented in the scholarly literature, reports, the media, and other outlets would result in substantial dilemmas in terms of growth and development in different sectors in the region. The purpose of this article is to articulate and emphasize challenges that ASEAN governments should confront and add it to their agendas to achieve the APSC, the AEC, and the ASCC goals. This paper consists of four sections. Section I describes educational challenges in the ASCC. Section II illustrates economic challenges in the AEC. Section III presents political challenges in the APSC. Section IV explores critical thinking questions about all areas covered in the paper. Finally, the authors drew a succinct conclusion.