Uncertainties,perils,and hope of an Asian century: A view from Southeast Asia

Abstract

Can an Asian century provide conditions for a more equal, just, and convivial global future? This article suggests that before the future can be contemplated, it is first necessary to take stock of the current state-of-affairs in Asian societies. Using current precedents in Southeast Asian societies, this article considers the prospects of an Asian Century. When seen from this sub-region, the question of finding the right balance to capitalist growth appears to be a foremost challenge as existing frameworks are buckling under the weight of capitalist, environmental, and nationalist entropies. Nonetheless, out of impotence also grew new possibilities at the everyday and intellectual levels. Repulsed by the vileness and futility observed, ordinary people, especially the young, are counteracting against power and social norms and creating alternative political strategies and public spheres in the process. Likewise, a transnational “critical Asian Studies in Asia” movement has enabled scholars to consolidate efforts to disarm hegemonies and find solutions to the complex dilemmas of the region. While no clear futuristic paradigms have emerged, state, economy, and society are all forced into gradual transformations as long as ordinary people and experts keep alive the struggle against all kinds of oppression and exclusion.