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CONTEMPORARY SOUTH EAST ASIA 1（地）
| Subtitle | Cold War in Southeast Asia |
|---|---|
| Lecturer(s) | YAMAMOTO, NOBUTO |
| Credit(s) | 2 |
| Academic Year/Semester | 2026 Spring |
| Day/Period | Wed.2 |
| Campus | Mita |
| Class Format | Face-to-face classes (conducted mainly in-person) |
| Registration Number | 34537 |
| Faculty/Graduate School | LAW |
| Department/Major | POLITICAL SCIENCE |
| Year Level | 3, 4 |
| Field | POLITICAL SCIENCE |
| Grade Type | This item will appear when you log in (Keio ID required). |
| Course Description | This lecture historicizes the Cold War in Southeast Asia. |
| K-Number | FLP-PS-34253-212-86 |
| Course Administrator | Faculty/Graduate School | FLP | LAW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department/Major | PS | POLITICAL SCIENCE | |
| Main Course Number | Level | 3 | Third-year level coursework |
| Major Classification | 4 | Major Field Course | |
| Minor Classification | 25 | Developmental - Area Studies and Comparative Politics | |
| Subject Type | 3 | Elective subject | |
| Supplemental Course Information | Class Classification | 2 | Lecture |
| Class Format | 1 | Face-to-face classes (conducted mainly in-person) | |
| Language of Instruction | 2 | English | |
| Academic Discipline | 86 | Comprehensive / Integrated Areas (Social Sciences) | |
Course Contents/Objectives/Teaching Method/Intended Learning Outcome
In Southeast Asia, Cold War dynamics significantly influenced national policies across various aspects, and Cold War mentalities continue to manifest in public discourse. By historicizing the Cold War in Southeast Asia, this lecture examines not only the history of the regional Cold War as a whole but also highlights critical events and developments that shaped and altered its course.
The global power competition of the Cold War constructed “regions” in many parts of the world. Conventional wisdom shows that Southeast Asia is no exception and is, in fact, a typical Cold War creation. Southeast Asia was an artificial construct that originated from British military strategy to defend its colonies and their neighbors against Japan’s military occupation. After WWII, the US gradually assumed a hegemonic position in the region, taking over from the UK. The concept and reality of Southeast Asia transformed and materialized from the late 1940s onward.
Two points should be briefly addressed. First, it is commonly understood that the Cold War in Southeast Asia was characterized by US-China competition. The establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 shocked the West, which moved quickly to counteract and contain the influence and spread of communism in the region. Indochina became a hotspot, experiencing a sequence of wars that signified a Cold War-type confrontation and had a significant regional impact.
Second, the regional Cold War shaped and regulated domestic politics. This aspect was called the domestic Cold War. Newly independent countries with “liberal democratic” governments historically had communist-related political parties and organizations, and dealing with them became a political and security issue.
Even after the US-China rapprochement in 1972, which logically ended the regional Cold War, Cold War politics continued both nationally and regionally. It has shaped and reconstructed national memories (and national amnesias) of communism and related matters. The Cold War legacies remain noticeable in many parts of the region.
By revisiting the Cold War in Southeast Asia during the 20th century, this lecture aims to delve into and comprehend the complexities and realities of the Cold War experience in Southeast Asia.
The lecture is designed for students interested in Southeast Asian politics, political history, and regional international politics.
The global power competition of the Cold War constructed “regions” in many parts of the world. Conventional wisdom shows that Southeast Asia is no exception and is, in fact, a typical Cold War creation. Southeast Asia was an artificial construct that originated from British military strategy to defend its colonies and their neighbors against Japan’s military occupation. After WWII, the US gradually assumed a hegemonic position in the region, taking over from the UK. The concept and reality of Southeast Asia transformed and materialized from the late 1940s onward.
Two points should be briefly addressed. First, it is commonly understood that the Cold War in Southeast Asia was characterized by US-China competition. The establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 shocked the West, which moved quickly to counteract and contain the influence and spread of communism in the region. Indochina became a hotspot, experiencing a sequence of wars that signified a Cold War-type confrontation and had a significant regional impact.
Second, the regional Cold War shaped and regulated domestic politics. This aspect was called the domestic Cold War. Newly independent countries with “liberal democratic” governments historically had communist-related political parties and organizations, and dealing with them became a political and security issue.
Even after the US-China rapprochement in 1972, which logically ended the regional Cold War, Cold War politics continued both nationally and regionally. It has shaped and reconstructed national memories (and national amnesias) of communism and related matters. The Cold War legacies remain noticeable in many parts of the region.
By revisiting the Cold War in Southeast Asia during the 20th century, this lecture aims to delve into and comprehend the complexities and realities of the Cold War experience in Southeast Asia.
The lecture is designed for students interested in Southeast Asian politics, political history, and regional international politics.
Course Taught by Faculty Member with Professional Experience
Not applicable
Active Learning MethodsDescription
Discussions, Debates
Preparatory Study
Approximately one hour per week is needed for reviewing the lessons
Course Plan
Lesson 1
Introduction
Lesson 2
Regional Cold War
Lesson 3
Comintern’s Shadow
Lesson 4
Wartime
Lesson 5
Decolonization
Lesson 6
1948
Lesson 7
Mid-term exam
Lesson 8
Othering China
Lesson 9
Developmental Authoritarianism
Lesson 10
Indonesia’s Crisis
Lesson 11
East Timor’s Crisis
Lesson 12
Indochinese Refugee Crisis
Lesson 13
Inconvenient Truths
Lesson 14
Final Examination: In-class and Closed-book
Other
Wrap-up
Method of Evaluation
Mid-term exam (30%) and Final exam (70%)
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