"Space and Borders: Concepts and case studies"

Belonging to a country and its proclaimed nation is contested by ethnic groups in many Southeast Asian countries. The Westphalian state system, despite its long existence in Southeast Asia, remains a problematic model.

This seminar aims to study land and border conflicts in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, reflecting on the historical processes that have led to the current situation. In order to understand why past conflict resolutions have failed – and what the chances are of current processes resolving the issues – the seminar will examine both the economic-political and the historical-cultural dimensions of land and border contestation.