DISCUSSIONS: National Identity in Southeast Asia: A Critique on Anthony Reid’s work
National Identity in Southeast Asia: A Critique on Anthony Reid’s
work
(Page 213-221)
Phan Quang Anh
Abstract: Southeast Asia is a changing
region. In terms of Nationalism, a modern and dynamic Southeast Asia has sought
for a re-determination of its post-colonial status and expressed an endeavor
building up a coherent entity by forming a nation block, the ASEAN. Many
scholars have touched upon this topic by approaching it from various
perspectives, with or without considering its indigenous agency which is unique
for its context. Anthony Reid seems to be among those who stand on the side of
people who dissect the contested nature of identity in Southeast Asia today
through a fusion of external factors-western colonialism and internal factors.
Through a content analysis of his recent book on this matter, this paper aims
to clarify his view as well as point out some issues in his arguments which
should be seen through a wider lens.
Key words:
Nationalism; national identity; Southeast Asia; colonialism; post-colonial
period.
References
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and their pasts”, in Anthony D. Smith & Ernest Gellner, The Warwick Debates, 24 October 1995.
Anthony Reid. 2010. Imperial
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