Conference Theme 

CALL FOR PAPERS

2023 Wenzao International Conference on Southeast Asian Studies

Wenzao ICSEAS 2023: October 19-21, 2023

Conference Theme :

Southeast Asia: Regionalization and its Discontents

The past few decades have seen Southeast Asia undergo a significant process of regionalization. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been instrumental in this process, fostering cooperation and integration among its member states. The admission of a new member, East Timor, in 2022 has added more synergy to the region. While ASEAN has achieved considerable success in promoting regional cooperation and development, it has also faced several challenges and criticisms. These include the uneven distribution of benefits and the persistence of economic and political disparities within and between member states. Recovery from the pandemic has been underway but not without difficulties. Great power rivalry between China and United States has impacted on the region in various ways, increasing pressure on these countries to make strategic choices that could potentially have long-term implications. The bid question now is: Can Southeast Asian regionalization continue to sustain the region's growth, underpin its stability, and reduce inequality?

This conference aims to critically examine the process of regionalization in Southeast Asia and its various discontents. We invite papers that explore the following themes:

1. The political economy of regionalization (security, economy and socio-cultural aspects) in post-pandemic Southeast Asia

2. The role of nation-states, institutions, actors, and ideas in shaping regionalization in Southeast Asia

3. The challenges and limitations of regionalization, including issues of community building, sovereignty, identity, and inequality

4. The prospects for regionalization in Southeast Asia, including the role of emerging powers and non-state actors

5. The impact of BREXIT on ASEAN Community building

6. China-United States rivalry and its impact on ASEAN

In addition to the above, the conference also welcome papers addressing the following topics:

• Political instability and social unrest in Southeast Asia

• Ethnic, religious and cultural conflicts

• Environmental sustainability, and energy

• Education, literature, film industries and IT issues

• Southeast Asian History and culture

• Migrant Workers: Policies and challenges

We welcome submissions from scholars and practitioners across disciplines and sectors who are interested in exploring the complex and dynamic processes of regionalization in Southeast Asia. We encourage papers that draw on empirical research, theoretical insights, and critical perspectives.

 IMPORTANT DATES

Abstract submission deadline: May 31, 2023

Notification of accepted papers: June 13, 2023

Official registration period: July 1- August 31, 2023

Deadline for full paper submissions: August 31, 2023

Official registration of General Participants: July 1 - Sep. 30, 2023

Conference Dates: October 19-21, 2023

Conference Venue: Wenzao Ursuline University (WZU), Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Organizer: Department of Southeast Asian Studies, WZU

Other conference inquiries should be submitted to:

Coordinator Mr. Kai Otto Chang: seas@mail.wzu.edu.tw

NOTES

1. Registration: Free.

2. No late abstract or full paper will be accepted after the deadline. Online system will be closed.

3. All presenters and participants should cover their own airfare to Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

4. Complementary meals will be provided during the conference.

5. A complementary half-day Kaohsiung tour will be an option (the tour will be adjusted according to the epidemic prevention situation).