Presentation Schedule

Session 1

Lecture Room 1

Civil Society & Social Issues 2

Session Chair: Julio Teehankee

09:00 – Housing Insecurity and Economic Development: A Case Study of Informal Settlements in Manila, Philippines (71134)

The city of Manila, Philippines faces a severe housing crisis. Due to the Philippines' unusual combination of rapid economic growth, uneven regional economic development, lack of affordable housing, and low per capita incomes, it is estimated that Manila has the most number of homeless people of any city in the world. Consequently, the government must address the housing situation to ensure the long-term viability of the city. This paper argues that two mechanisms work in tandem to generate the informal settlement issue: the lack of economic opportunity outside Manila, which has become a driving force behind rural to urban migration, and the lack of affordable housing within the city to support new inhabitants. In order to address this, the government must adopt a two-pronged strategy of both increasing access to affordable housing in the city and simultaneously creating economic opportunities in the countryside to reduce the need for migration in the first place. Doing so would solve both a humanitarian and economic crisis.

Authors:
Uriel Galace, Duke University, United States

09:25 – Sewaka Dharma: The New Public Service Based on Balinese Local Wisdom Toward Good Governance in Denpasar City (72111)

Government seeks to make Denpasar a smart and creative city based on Balinese cultural values. Sewaka Dharma is the spirit of work culture in supporting and realizing integrated local wisdom-based governance through digital systems. This study aims to analyze and describe the concept of Sewaka Negara towards good governance in Denpasar City. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach by collecting data through literature studies, including books, scientific articles, websites, online media, and documents related to the research topic. The data analysis technique used through qualitative descriptive analysis The results of the study show that the value of Sewaka Dharma becomes a regional identity. This concept provides changes in public services that are digitally integrated but still based on local wisdom values. This is a form of digital transformation carried out by the Denpasar City Government towards good governance in the digital era.

Authors:
I Putu Adi Permana Putra, Universitas Warmadewa, Indonesia

09:50 – The Characteristics of Social Capital Among North Korean Defectors: Focusing on the Survey Data (2017-2021) of North Korean Defectors (72097)

This study aims to analyze the characteristics of social capital among North Korean defectors residing in South Korea and to identify various factors that influence the formation of their social capital. To achieve this, the study utilized survey data collected by the North Korean Defectors Support Foundation from 2017 to 2021. Based on the analysis results, the study aims to identify key factors that influence the formation of social capital for North Korean defectors and derive policy implications to promote the formation of their social capital. In fact, North Korean defectors in Korea build various forms of social capital as immigrants, refugees, and minorities, which play an important role in their adaptation and integration. However, empirical analysis results on this topic are insufficient. Therefore, the study aims to provide evidence-based policy recommendations based on its research findings.

Authors:
Jeong-rae Jo, Korea Educational Development Institute (KEDI), South Korea

10:15 – Human Security in Korea and Asia (71845)

This research aims to contribute to the sustainable development, sound security and economic devel-opment of Asia by analyzing the actual situation of human security challenges in Republic of Korea (ROK) and Asia and establishing a cooperative mechanism between countries in the region. Epidemics, disasters, terrorism, organized crime and drug problems, including Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19), are international issues that cannot be solved by the efforts of a specific country alone, and are a threat to domestic human security.In particular, it analyzes the current situation of human securi-ty issues in the region and introduces ROK's role in promoting and protecting human security in Asia.

Authors:
Honje Cho, Korea National Defense University, South Korea

Lecture Room 2

Geopolitics

Session Chair: Christian Schafferer

09:00 – The New Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific and India-Australia Relations (72075)

The new geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific is characterized by the rise of China and the relative decline of the United States and the resultant competition between the two. The complex security situation of the Indo-Pacific compel middle powers to look beyond their traditional approaches for protecting their interests against vagaries of great power rivalry. This scenario pushes the middle powers like India and Australia into a difficult balancing, complex policy choices and security challenges. The interest of India -Australia converge at multiple levels with underlying challenges in the context of the new geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific. In this context middle power coalition between India and Australia raises a number of pertinent questions and issues related to protection of their economic, geopolitical and security interests. This paper analyses the key drivers of new geopolitics on the Indo – Pacific, perceptions, interests and policies of India and Australia, priority the areas of their cooperation, the challenges they face and the complexity of balancing between US and China in the framework of middle power coalition theory.

Authors:
Josukutty C, University of Kerala, India
SInu Kunjumon, University of Kerala, India

09:25 – Reconsidering Ostpolitik of Russia Foreign Policy and Japan Security Policy after the Emerging of Ukraine War 2022 (72047)

Since Ukraine War in 2022 German’s Russia relations before the Ukraine war tied firmly with the joint natural gas pipeline projects for mutual benefits. Likewise, Japan expands and strengthens relations with the former Soviet Union satellites, particularly in bilateral relations such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the period of Shinzo Abe government. After the war in Ukraine erupted, Germany exposed sanctions as well as supported NATO’s members in dispatching troops and weapons to Ukraine. Japan government increased security measures in response to the future threats, particularly adding more measures on preventive attacks in the National Security Strategy. The frameworks employed in this study consisted of Neorealism and Agent-structure in analyzing the Russia-German and Russia-Japan relations in pre and post Ukraine war. In case of Germany ‘s chancellor, Olaf Scholz considered of his coalition party in making decision to send troops and armament to NATO’s members. Besides, Japan leader, Fumio Kishida, considered reckoning up the preventive measures which may consequence to help boosting economy growth and enemy twisted.

Authors:
Oratai Soparat, Naresuan University, Thailand

09:50 – How to Avoid a Great Power War in the Indo-Pacific (71873)

The most vital problem for the Indo-Pacific region is to shape a political environment ,which makes a great war in the region impossible. Just now we are experiencing that two great powers in Asia, the US and China are involved in an arms race and are militarizing their foreign policy. Add to this that they are both expanding their political, economic and security policy presence and are establishing zones of influence in Asian countries. On the other hand both countries have no desire to go to war. On the contrary. It is crucial to establish a common ground where the US is loosening its hegemonic policy and China is loosening its core policy vis a vis Taiwan. Is a common pressure from the countries in the Indo-Pacific and in the Global South a possibility? Theoretically the paper uses structural realism.

Authors:
Bertel Heurlin, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

10:15 – Cybersecurity in Sino-US Relations: Challenges, Cooperation, and Prospects (71143)

Cybersecurity has become a critical issue in the Sino-US relationship, with cyberattacks, cybercrime, cyber espionage, and cyberwarfare posing challenges to global economic and security stability. However, political factors and a lack of trust may interfere with addressing cybersecurity issues, and differences in policies, standards, and technologies can make cooperation difficult. To address these challenges, China and the US need to enhance dialogue, establish trust and consensus, formulate related policies and standards, and strengthen cooperation. Additionally, the international community should strengthen multilateral cooperation to combat cybercrime and maintain global cybersecurity and stability. Cybersecurity is crucial for maintaining national security and social stability. Both countries must work together to address cybersecurity challenges while engaging with the international community to promote global cybersecurity and stability.

Authors:
Lin Qin, Shanghai International Studies University, China
Yuan Yang, Shanghai International Studies University, China

Main Hall

Business-Government Ties and Politics in Select Philippine Cities
Session Chair: Rosalie Arcala Hall

09:00 – Business-Government Ties and Politics in Select Philippine Cities (71752)

The panel presents 3 case studies examining linkages between business groups and city governments, and how they shape urban economic development. Commercial interests of business elites dovetail with the political agenda of political incumbents and challengers alike, the dynamics of which are strongly affected by big private investment flows and national government spending infusions, particularly for infrastructure.

The first paper follows Manila Mayor Isko Moreno whose support from Filipino economic elites and business friendly disposition propelled him to national prominence. But his city-wide success also portends to the limit of business hedging, which came to a sudden halt when Moreno threw his hat in national politics. The second paper looks at the stable political leadership in Iloilo which ensured long-term planning around key infrastructure projects, and continued taps from the national government for funding. Robust institutional and informal ties between political and economic elites enabled consensus-building on the virtues of market-driven growth for which infrastructure is key. The third paper examines the dynamics of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project to illustrate how Cebu business entities utilized power brokerage in electoral politics, and cultivated rent-seeking strategies at the national level to establish local political influence (and control by proxy) in advancing their economic interests. This was accomplished largely by exploiting strong ties with a widely popular presidency to access clout in the bureaucracy, and emasculate local political leadership.

Authors:
Rosalie Arcala Hall, University of the Philippines Visayas, Philippines
Cleo Calimbahin, University of the Philippines Visayas, Philippines
Weena Gera, University of the Philippines Visayas, Philippines

Session 2

Lecture Room 1

Women, Gender, and Participation

Session Chair: Napisa Waitoolkiat

11:00 – Women’s Political Participation, Policymaking and Democracy in Indonesia (72060)

Issues related to women's political representation, especially in Indonesia, have become an important issue lately. However, what has happened so far is that the patriarchal system is still inherent in some areas. Men are considered as rulers in several parts of the history of human civilization, while women are as if only taking care of the household and belonging to men. This triggers the emergence of issues regarding the issue of gender roles and positions between men and women. In fact, many countries, especially Indonesia, adhere to a democratic political system that must involve all members of society, including women. As regulated in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia article 19 where everyone has the right to express opinions, where women also have the right to participate in political activities and decision making. This paper will explain how women participate in world politics and explain women's representation in Indonesia.

Authors:
Dinda Kalpika Putri, Warmadewa University, Indonesia

11:25 – Paradigm Shift in Gender Equality Development Policy in Thailand: Parity Versus Differences (72102)

Thailand has made significant progress in the area of women's development in recent years, with the government implementing a number of policies and programmes aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. Thailand’s national action plan for women development (2023-2033) is a comprehensive effort to improve the status of women in the country, addressing a wide range of issues, including gender equality, women's health, economic empowerment and education. Despite these efforts, gender inequality and discrimination remain significant issues in Thailand. There is still much work to be done to fully mainstream gender considerations in all policies and programmes and to ensure that women's rights are fully realized. Following Michel Foucault’s discourse analysis and Luce Irigaray’ s critical thoughts on gender differences in neoliberal capitalism, this paper examines the construction of “women” in Thailand’s recent national action plan for women development. It argues that the policy’s focus on gender equality and women empowerment is a gender-blind practice, failing to take different roles and diverse needs of women into consideration. The national plan for women development, therefore, maintain status quo and does not necessarily transform the unequal structure of gender relations in Thailand.

Authors:
Jaray Singhakowinta, National Institute of Development Administration, Thailand

11:50 – Women and Violence in Urban Spaces: Modalities, Spaces, Narratives (72053)

“Gender is built into the cities we inhabit,” asserts Madhavi Desai. We live in the age of urbanization and global cities are projected as spaces of opportunities and better life. However, can we talk of the urban space without taking into account gender, caste, class and religion, especially in the Indian context? Gendered power relations based on specific identity influence the shaping of urban spaces like educational institutions, office spaces, malls, housing etc. What are the kind of subtle and blatant violence do women negotiate with at these spaces? Our paper through a study of literary narratives, interviews, questionnaires and research data collection explore how multifarious and diverse this violence is for women from different social strata. We aim to engage with gender, class, caste, religion to explore the complexities of violence and envision a society based on the foundations of social and distributive justice.

Authors:
Arunima Ray, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi, India
Wafa Hamid, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, India

Lecture Room 2

Security, Threats, and Securitization

Session Chair: Haruko Satoh

11:00 – How Asian States Justify Suppression: Tracing Causal Flows from Societies’ Homogenizing Self-Perceptions to Securitized Ethno-Religious Minority Identity (71956)

This research is part of a doctoral dissertation that explored how Asian national governments are able to justify suppression of ethno-religious minorities. The study consists of comparative case study analysis using the Most-Similar-Systems-Design, with the five case studies selected to represent a range of regime types, from authoritarian to democratic. The study seeks to disprove regime theory and instead, through the use of process tracing and causal effect flow analysis, proposes an alternative hypothesis that Asian societies’ homogenizing self-perceptions allow political elites to securitize ethno-religious identity through processes of ‘othering’. This provides the grounds for the justification of ethno-religious minorities in Asian states, regardless of regime type.

Authors:
Amanda Fish, Ewha Woman’s University, South Korea

11:25 – South Korea’s Threat Perception of North Korea: A Comprehensive Framework (72050)

This research seeks to identify the causal factors that influence South Korean threat perception of North Korea, and aims to understand why there has been variance over time. It argues that South Korean threat perception cannot be explained through only exogenous factors, such as the role of the United States, North Korean military capabilities or its level of adherence to international norms. A deeper understanding of South Korea’s domestic factors, such as national identity and domestic politics, are needed to fully understand the total composition of threat perception. This research furthermore examines the objective threat that North Korea poses from a Defensive Realism perspective, and then proposes a more eclectic framework to understand threat perception via incorporating English School Rationalism and Constructivism theories.

Authors:
Patricia Aguado Gamero, Ewha Womans University, South Korea

11:50 – Enforcing Cyber Security Policy and Strengthening Countermeasures Against Cyber Terrorism in Indonesia (72115)

While cyber terrorism has been a growing concern worldwide, Asia has seen a significant rise in cyber terrorism in recent years. Political instability and conflicts in some parts of Asia have also created a favorable environment for cyber terrorists to operate, including in Indonesia. This paper uses qualitative methods to analyze the threats of cyber terrorism and Indonesian government’s responses. The result is that the Indonesian government launched a comprehensive cyber security program, including the establishment of a national cyber security agency, a national cyber defense center, and various regulations. This paper argues that while there have been some efforts to improve cybersecurity policy and capacity in Indonesia, there is still a lot of work to be done to address the country's vulnerabilities. Effective policies to counter cyber terrorism should include measures to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber attacks. This might include: 1) Strengthening Cybersecurity; 2) Developing Early Warning Systems; 3) Collaborating with other Countries; 4) Enforcing Strong Laws and Regulations; 5) Building Resilience.

Authors:
I Putu Hadi Pradnyana, Warmadewa University, Indonesia

12:15 – The Reasons for the Resilience of Prayut Chanorcha’s Regime (71869)

The objective of this article is to find the reasons for the resilience of Prime Minister Prayut Chanorcha’s regime, which has lasted since 2014, despite numerous criticisms against his government’s inefficiency and corruption. Those reasons are: 1) Prayut gains firm support from the network of powerful cliques like the military, the judiciary and the public sectors. 2) Prayut legitimizes his regime with the new constitution, rigged election and the parliamentary system, in collaboration with the political parties and the appointed senators. 3) Prayut cunningly uses the draconian laws and the enforcers to suppress his political opponents. 4) Prayut draws support from the conservative by creating an image of the protector of Thailand’s security and main institutions especially the Monarchy. 5) Prayut’s team and his supporters use social media to boost his image and attack his political opponents, especially the opposition parties.

Authors:
Atthasit Muangin, Phayao University, Thailand

Main Hall

Thailand’s Deep South/Patani: Changing Dimensions of a Continuing Conflict
Session Chair: Paul Chambers

11:00 – Thailand’s Deep South/Patani: Changing Dimensions of a Continuing Conflict (71572)

Thailand's Deep South refers to the country's three southernmost borderland provinces along with four districts in neighboring Songkhla Province. Approximately 77 percent of people in the Deep South are Malay-Muslim while the remainder are Thai Buddhists. Violence has been rampant in this region since the Islamic Sultanate of Patani was incorporated into Siam in 1902. Pandemonium intensified in 2004. The conflict is between Malay-Muslims seeking secession from Thailand and Thai security forces. According to Deep South Watch (which panel participant Srisompob Jipiromsri heads), over 7400 people have died due to the violence, from 2004 until 2023. Ethnicity and religion have precipitated the crisis though other sources of conflict include socio-economic problems and unpopular state policies. In 2023 there is dialogue, but insurgency/counterinsurgency continues. This panel examines different dimensions of the continuing conflict. It will produce a Special Issue in Asian Affairs: An American Review (a SCOPUS journal).

Authors:
Paul Chambers, Naresuan University, Thailand
Yasmin Sattar, Prince of Songkhla University -- Pattani, Thailand
Kusuma Kooyai, Prince of Songkhla University--Pattani , Thailand
Romadan Panjor, Prince of Songkhla University--Pattani, Thailand
Fareeda Panjor, Prince of Songkhla University--Pattani, Thailand
Srisompob Jitpiromsri, Prince of Songkhla University--Pattani, Thailand

Session 3

Lecture Room 1

Governance and Human Development

Session Chair: Haruko Satoh

14:20 – Legitimation Strategies and Liberal Mimicry in Autocratization: The Case of Cambodia (72774)

This study addresses the recent increase in authoritarianism (autocratization) which occurred in Cambodia. The research covers the timeline from the parliamentary election period in 2013 to the parliamentary election period in 2018, marked by the unprecedented gains by the opposition party, on the one hand, and the elimination of political opposition by rendering the opposition party illegal, on the other. The research focuses on changes in four key sectors (electoral system, media, civil society, the labor sector), and argues increased autocracy was made possible through legitimation strategies deployed by the regime. It is argued, these strategies involved co-opting the norms and discourse of liberal democracy (such as rule of law, electoral accountability, and good governance) in processes of change which actually undermined liberal democracy and supported the sedimentation of a single party system, the personalized power of the ruler, and increased infrastructural power of the state.

Authors:
Kevin Nauen, Pannasastra University of Cambodia, Cambodia

14:45 – Addressing the Challenges of Poverty within Human Development Peace Nexus Approach: The Case Study of Karangasem Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia (72093)

Karangasem is one of the poorest areas in Bali. Poverty in Karangasem is an old problem that has not been resolved. The Bali government has carried out various programs to alleviate poverty in Karangasem, but the poverty rate in Karangasem is still high. Guided by the Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus (HPDN), which is a holistic approach to overcoming poverty by looking at government at the regional level, participation as individual communities, and non-governmental organizations such as peacebuilding to resolve the root causes of poverty. This study examines the efforts made to overcome the problem of poverty in Karangasem. The method used is qualitative. The data was collected by conducting interviews with several informants. The results of this study reveal that there is collaboration between government at the local level, communities as individuals, and non-governmental organizations. It's just that the participation of non-governmental organizations in solving this problem is still low. In addition, the level of public understanding that it will be challenging to get out.

Authors:
Komang Ema Marsitadewi, Warmadewa University, Indonesia

15:10 – Sustainable Community Development for Promoting Common Good: A Case Study of Sufficiency Economy Learning Center in Buriram Province, Thailand (73199)

The purpose of this article is to describe the Sufficiency Economy Learning Center created by the civil society consisting of four primary sectors: academic institution (Buriram Rajabhat University), monastery, village, and local government agency. They have collaborated to establish this center in order to promote good common among the communities located in Nangrong District, Buriram Province, Thailand. The location has been transformed into a learning center where various initiatives based on the King's Sufficiency Economy have been successfully implemented for the sustainable development of communities. Regarding the Sufficiency Economy (SE), it is a philosophy bestowed upon his subjects in 1977 by His Majesty King Rama IX. The Sufficiency Economy is comprised of three elements: moderation, reasonableness, and self-immunity, with two attendant conditions: appropriate knowledge and ethics and virtues. Therefore, the SE Learning Center can serve as a model for the good common of communities that prioritize sustainable development.

Authors:
Akkarapon Nuemaihom, Buriram Rajabhat University, Thailand

15:35 – Policy Studies on Decent Work: What Should Indonesia Learn? (72113)

Decent work has become an important topic that is discussed, debated, and researched towards sustainable development. Several researches have been carried out, both literature review and empirical research. The variations in the context of the countries studied are spread from those in the Global North and those in the Global South and affect the condition of decent work. Moreover, there are limited research on the issue of decent work from the perspective of policy and governance studies, which this research seeks to do. This research is expected to provide a case of Indonesia in creating decent work conditions with various interrelated policies and also compare the experiences of successful countries in the Global North.

Authors:
Anak Agung Gde Brahmantya Murti, Universitas Warmadewa, Indonesia

Lecture Room 2

Sustainability and Resilience in a Glocalized World

Session Chair: Napisa Waitoolkiat

14:20 – The Inconsistency of the Thai Government’s Human Resource Development System and Community Needs: A Case Study of the Reskilling and Upskilling Training Program for Indigenous Fishing Communities in Prachuab Khiri Khan, Thailand (72953)

Resilience enhancement of organizations at all levels is paramount. The Thai government invests a sizeable annual budget in training programs but with modest outcomes. This paper seeks to exhibit the concerns of human resource development in the Thai government sector, aggravated by the consequences of COVID-19, which accelerated digitalization. By highlighting the importance of surveys and designs for people's development programs for reskilling and upskilling, this paper will analyze the gap between the demands of the local people or trainees and the government's policies. Consequently, the relationships among human resource development, decentralization, and equalization in terms of opportunity accessibility will be explored through the lens of sustainable development. This paper will also utilize the "Reskilling and Upskilling Training Program for Indigenous Fishing Communities in Prachuab Khiri Khan" to accentuate this concern. Finally, this research will propose solutions for post-COVID-19 human resource development in Thailand's government and people sectors.

Authors:
Pongsira Kongthaewtong, Naresuan University, Thailand
Porngam Liamsiriwatana, Phitsanulok Institute for Skill Development, Thailand

14:45 – Transforming Thai-Laos Relations: The ASEAN Phenomenon and Border Development in Phayao Province (72954)

Thailand shares a 1,754-kilometer border with Laos, including land borders and parts of the Mekong River. Since the end of the Cold War, this border has undergone
significant changes in bilateral relations. In 1994, the opening of the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connecting Nong Khai Province to Vientiane paved the way for the Geometrical Economic Cooperation Project along the border with neighboring countries. This project aimed to promote economic linkages and development in border areas. To facilitate this, permanent checkpoints were established in various provinces, including those with adjacent land borders to neighboring countries. Unlike the border area connecting to Burma, Phayao province does not have a minority or separatist insurgency problem, making it a part of the National Strategic Plan. As such, the government is encouraging Phayao as an alternative area for opening permanent checkpoints. This paper examines opportunities and challenges of the Thai-Lao border from the standpoint of Thailand’s Phayao province.

Authors:
Aksaraphak Chaipala, University of Phayao, Thailand

15:10 – Between Identity and Peacebuilding: A Case of Women’s Participation in Thailand’s Deep South Peace Process (73117)

This study examines women’s participation in the peace process to resolve the long-standing conflict in Thailand's deep south. Despite the ongoing unrest between the Thai military and Malay resistance groups in the southern border provinces, women's participation at the formal decision-making level within peace processes has been largely overlooked. The study aims to explore the factors contributing to the lack of recognition of women's involvement. It investigates the relationship between women's identity, including ethnicity and religion, and their influence on peacebuilding. The research analyzes data from 142 women, comprising Malay-Muslim and Thai-Buddhist participants, and includes in-depth interviews with selected women leaders. The findings indicate that women who showed a willingness to adopt Thai administration and regulations, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, were more likely to have a significant impact on the peace process. In contrast, those who emphasized exclusive identities had less influence. Thus, the presentation of women's identities plays a crucial role in their engagement and effectiveness in peacebuilding efforts.

Authors:
Anna Christi Suwardi, Naresuan University, Thailand

Main Hall

International Studies in Asia
Session Chair: Roberto Dominguez

14:20 – International Studies in Asia

The goal of this roundtable is to map and discuss the practices of International Relations communities in several countries in Southeast Asia. Building national IR communities of scholars and practitioners studying global problems contributes to understanding and suggesting policies that impact local communities and local challenges that disrupt global and regional orders. The discussion seeks to bring some light and compare three areas of analysis. a) the production of multiple discourses, theories, and methods in the IR national traditions; b) the uploading and downloading of global discourses and the synergy and collision with national practices; and c) how IR national and global understandings influence the practice of international relations

This panel is sponsored by the World International Studies Committee (WISC) and The Rosenberg Institute for Asian Studies at Suffolk University.

Presenters:
Roberto Dominguez, Suffolk University, United States (Chair)
Nguyễn Phương Ly, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Vietnam
Pou Sothirak, Cambodian Center for Cooperation and Peace, Cambodia
Cheng-Chwee Kuik, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
Paul Chambers, Naresuan University, Thailand
Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, Bina Nusantara University, Indonesia