Making ingenious use of a wide variety of sources, and old as well as modern technical resources, Kenneth Dean and Zheng Zhenman here set a new standard for an histoire totale for a coherently well-defined cultural region in China. At the same time, these books deal in-depthwith the ongoing negotiation of modernity in Chinese rituals. …
In an historic city, physical setting generates the uniqueness of a place, and the activities in the physical setting enrich its cultural value. Along with the demands of modernization, the development of heritage tourism indeed facilitates urban conservation in Asia, but it also challenges the meaning of the “authenticity” of an historic city. In the …
This paper tells the story of migration and diversity in Singapore through a particular feature of Singapore — the kopitiam (coffeeshop). Found mostly in the HDB (Housing and Development Board) public housing estates in which 85% of Singapore’s population live and in historical ethnic enclaves, the kopitiam may be viewed as a quintessential feature of …
This paper provides an overview of changing marriage patterns in East, South and Southeast Asia. It begins by relating marriage patterns to kinship systems. Differences in kinship systems go a long way towards explaining differences in marriage arrangements and stability of marriages in different parts of Asia, and also the greater resilience of the system …
MESSAGE FROM CHAIR OF MANAGEMENT BOARD Prof Chong Chi Tat The 2009 Annual Report gives an overview of the key activities and achievements of the Asia Research Institute during the year: Several scholars have joined ARI as senior researchers; the Asian Migration Cluster has secured a large research grant from the Ministry of Education; the …
This book focuses on the neglected cultural front of the Cold War in Asia to explore the mindsets of Asian actors and untangle the complex cultural alliances that undergirded the security blocs on this continent. Our research is based primarily on archival sources, including government documents, diplomatic dispatches, and personal records. Some chapters also investigate …
Dynamics of the Cold War in Asia: Ideology, Identity and Culture Read More »
The mid-twentieth century marked one of the greatest watersheds of Asian history, when a range of imperial constructs were declared to be nation-states, either by revolution or decolonisation. Nationalism was the great alchemist, turning the base metal of empire into the gold of nations. To achieve such a transformation from the immense diversity of these …
Imperial Alchemy: Nationalism and Political Identity in Southeast Asia Read More »
The expansion of the Cholas from their base in the Kaveri Delta saw this growing power subdue the kingdoms of southern India, as well as occupy Sri Lanka and the Maldives, by the early eleventh century. It was also during this period that the Cholas initiated links with Song China. Concurrently, the Southeast Asian polity …
Ever since Myanmar regained her independence in January 1948, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) has been crucial in restoring and maintaining law and order. It is one of the most important institutions in Myanmar politics. Various aspects of the Tatmadaw have been studied. The most notable area of study has been the political role of …
Building the Tatmadaw: Myanmar Armed Forces since 1948 Read More »
How did European imperialism shape the ideas and practices of religion in East and Southeast Asia? Casting Faiths brings together eleven scholars to show how Western law, governance, education and mission shaped the basic understanding of what religion is, and what role it should play in society. From ARI workshop on Casting Faiths: The Construction …
