Irvine Valley College Political Economy of Southeast Asia Essay Questions

Q1. One of the reasons why European empires were able to colonize Southeast Asia (and the rest
of the new world) was because the elites (nobles) of the time adopted an institution called
Feudalism (along with Manorialism) as an optimal response to the economic and political
opportunities and constraints right after the fall of the Roman Empire. These institutions would
result in path-dependent progress to the rise of towns and, subsequently, to the rise of modern
European nation-states. Identify some of these opportunities and constraints right after RomeÊdecline. How did Feudalism optimally address them?
Q2. In recent news, the United States armed forces are returning to the Philippines. Unlike in
previous years, the Philippines welcomes the presence of the U.S. forces this time. Using a
political economy framework that identifies the key players and their opportunities and
constraints, provide an explanation for why:
(1) The Philippines is allowing the U.S. to have military presence, but that it is not in the form of
a military base
(2) The U.S. is making efforts to increase military presence in Southeast Asia, when it is
geographically far from the region
Q3. Indonesia continues to grapple with religious repression. For example, in a recent news,
Christians in Indonesia experienced harassment while trying to establish places of worship. Even
though Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Islam is not considered as the
state’s official religion. In fact, Indonesia is a multi-faith country and its constitution officially
recognizes six religions slam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and
Confucianism. Using a political economy framework, explain why the government leaders
cannot (or do not) seem to be able to resolve issues relating to lack of religious freedom.
Q4. A Southeast Asia news update indicated that, “Manufacturing Activity Firms Up in Asia as
China Reopens.” Why is it that with China’s reopening and lifting of epidemic prevention and
control measures, the economies of Southeast Asian countries are also experiencing increased
production? This has some clear economic benefits to Southeast Asian countries. But is there a
political disadvantage from the reliance of SE Asian economies on China? Why or why not?
Provide a political economy explanation.

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