"In many ways, Southeast Asia is the world region most emblematic of this book's focus on diversity amid globalization ... The historical and cultural unity that Southeast Asia has lacked may be forced upon it by 21st century globalization." (Rowntree, et al., Chapter 13)
- This chapter covers mainland Southeast Asia, which includes Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and insular (island) Southeast Asia, which includes Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore.
- You should appreciate the unique biogeography associated with islands and understand the idea of an export-based economy and the ways that such an economy fits in with the global economy.
- Upon completion of this chapter, you should be familiar with the physical, demographic, cultural, political, and economic characteristics of Southeast Asia. In addition, you should understand the following concepts and models:
- Environmental geography
- Karen in Burma and deforestation; Pollution; Physical landscapes and environments; Wallace's Line and island biogeography.
- Population and settlement
- Settlement and agriculture; Swidden system; Plantations; Rice; Population contrasts; Growth and migration; Urban settlement.
- Cultural coherence and diversity
- South Asian influences; Chinese influences; Islam; Christianity and indigenous cultures; Communism; Language and ethnicity; Global context.
- Geopolitical framework
- Before European colonialism; Colonial era; Vietnam War and aftermath; Indonesia; Philippines; Burma; Southeast Asian geopolitics.
- Economic and social development
- Philippines; Singapore; Malaysia; Thailand; Indonesia; Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; Burma; Globalization; Issues of social development.
