South East Asia

1. South East Asia

2. Characteristic of Society of S.E. Asia • Southeast Asia – Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam • This region experienced invasions and conquests from European nations such as France (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), Britain (Malaysia/Singapore), and the Netherlands (Indonesia), as well as internally (Thai domination of Burma). • Interest in trade included spices (e.g., pepper, cinnamon, etc.). • This region fell under many different conquerors throughout their history, and in more recent times experienced civil wars between communist and democratic regimes. • Contemporary – the region’s people migrated to different parts of the world primarily due to the ongoing civil wars; many immigrated to the United States after the fall of South Vietnam in 1975. Economic development in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand has increased at a rapid rate since the 1970s and 1980s.

3. Geographic Questions • Where is it located? Position on a map (absolute location vs. relative location), latitude and longitude • Why is it there? Trade routes, altitude, natural resources • What is the significance of its location? Historically, economically, socially, politically • How is its location related to the location of other people, places, and environments? • People: Conflicts, commercial activity, agricultural activity, cultural activity, adaptations, modifications, transportation • Places: Climate, natural resources, geography, animals • Environments: Desirable or undesirable features, modifications, adaptations, pollution

4. Physical Environmental Processes • Ocean currents • Monsoons • Earthquakes – Krakatoa (1883); Indian Ocean (2004) • Can cause tsunamis (2004), landslides, avalanches, fires, soil liquefaction, and floods

5. Renewable and Non-Renewable Natural Resources • Renewable resource – a resource that can be regenerated • Fresh water (Mountain snow melts and replenishes rivers and streams) • Plants and animals • Fertile soils (Ganges and Indus rivers flood, and deposit silt to fertilize soil) • Timber • Nonrenewable resource – a finite resource that cannot be replaced once it is used • Fossil fuels: Coal, oil, natural gas. • Note: Geologic forces (constructive and destructive) include decay of plant and animal remains, deposition, weathering, erosion, mountain-building, etc

6. Effects of Interaction of Physical Processes and Environment on Humans • Processes and environmental adaptations that allow humans to thrive physically and economically vs. those that don’t. Examples include: • Effects of natural events (tsunamis, earthquakes) • How monsoon seasons affect local cultures

7. Adaptation to Physical Environment • Houses on stilts for monsoons • Houses in ground for the desert

8. Agri., Wholesale, Retail, Manufacturing, and Service Industries • Industries differ in their involvement in the processing of natural resources, the production and marketing of goods, and the development of products and ideas. • Agriculture/primary source industries – agricultural industries like farming and ranching are the first line in a country’s economy in that their product directly makes use of the natural resources. • Southeast Asia is primarily agricultural (various crops) and primary source-focused

9. Limited and Unlimited Gov. • In a limited government led by the citizens, everyone, including all authority figures, must obey the laws. Constitutions, statements of rights, or other laws define the limits of those in power so they cannot take advantage of their elected, appointed, or inherited positions. • The Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia • In an unlimited government, control is placed solely with the ruler and his/her appointees, and there are no limits imposed on his/her authority. • Myanmar, Indonesia in recent past • Recognize that each country has its own form of government

10. Limited and Unlimited Gov. Cont. • Limited – Phillippines, Thailand • Multi party, free elections • Limitations placed on rulers by laws/constitution • Freedom of speech and other human rights • Unlimited – Myanmar • One-party rule, no elections or controlled elections • Written laws suspended or not upheld • Repression of rights • Rights suspended by rulers - censorship of press

11. Human Rights • Human rights, as defined by the U.N. Commission for Human Rights, are rights inherent to all human beings, without distinction as to race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. •  Examples within unlimited governments • Myanmar – repression of protest, restricted Internet access, Aung San SuuKyi

12. Rule by One, Few, Many • Rule by one – monarchy or dictatorship • A single ruler controls government and claims the responsibility due to divine or hereditary right. Either birth or God determines who will rule, the people do not. Dictators or despots also maintain complete control of government in their countries. (unlimited government) • Indonesia until recently • Rule by a few – small group has power; oligarchy • Government with rule by a few also occurs when a group of persons seize power after an overthrow of the previous government. The new rulers constitute a junta. (usually an unlimited government) • Example: military junta in Myanmar • Rule by many – people have power • A government ruled by many is a republic or a democracy. (limited government) • Example: The Philippines, Thailand

13. Society Influencing Political Process • Voting in elections • In Myannmar, there are no viable parties; voting is outlawed. • Protesting peacefully

14. Myanmar Vs. U.S. Citizen Rights • Role of women • Voting age • Direct vs. indirect voting • Suffrage • Opportunities to participate

15. Cultural Diffusion • Trade • SE Asia with S and SW Asia brought religion to region • Travel • War • Culture traits define a culture and are evident throughout the culture. The spread of culture traits is called diffusion.