To most, Southeast Asia evokes images of lush beaches and exquisite food. Yet, behind this exotic framing lies an exceptionally diverse and dynamic region that is characterized by fast socio-economic change and often sharp (violent) political contestation.

Often forgotten, Southeast Asia constituted the first frontline in the so-called War on Communism during the Cold War, leaving behind a region with a troubled and traumatic past.

Today, multiple countries are faced with the presence of armed secessionist movements, repressive state violence and fierce debates over the meaning of democracy, human rights and citizenship in the 21^st century.

People

• Jeroen Adam
• Steven Schoofs
• Justinas Stankus
• Robin Thiers

Current Projects

• Peacebuilding and conflict management in Muslim Mindanao (contact: Jeroen Adam)

• Social Differentiation and land reform in the Philippines (contact: Jeroen Adam)

• Violence, Human rights and Democracy in the Philippines: Strengthening the Quality and Impact of Academic Research (contact: Jeroen Adam)

• Customary justice and negotiated legitimacy in Southern Shan State, Myanmar (contact: Justinas Stankus)
• The changing political economy of the Philippines' export banana sector (contact: Robin Thiers)
• Fruits of Peace? The (Un)making of a Banana Plantation in a Frontier Town (contact: Steven Schoofs)

Past Projects

•  Resource regulation, inclusion and exclusion in a mobile economy: small-scale mining in Mindanao, Philippines
• Displacement, Replacement and Livelihood strategies on Ambon-Island, Indonesia
• Livelihoods of Burmese refugees in Thailand