EARLY SOUTHEAST ASIA

BEFORE 1500s
SEA was considered by western regions of the world as “other” during pre-colonial
times as popularized works of Greek writer Herodotus depicted Asia’s border
stopping at the Persian Empire
Early SEA was shared and borderless as well as multi polar amongst inhabitants
with constant interaction with each other

COLONIALISM

1500s - 1900s
In 1520 author Johannes Boemus published “Omnium Gentium Mores, Leges et
Ritus” which detailed the many civilizations’ cultures within the Other (SEA)
Various European powers started taking interest in SEA which gave way to
colonialism which also gave way to borders being established in SEA due to
different countries of the west colonizing various parts of SEA
Due to colonialism, SEA was developed and influenced by Western culture thus
promoting more commonality amongst colonized territories but also weakening
and even erasing indigenous cultures

British
Burma

French
Indochina

Spanish East
Indies
British
Malaya
Thailand
(Siam)
British
Borneo Dutch East
Indies

Portuguese
Timor

COLD WAR AND THE SOUTHEAST ASIA

1947-1991
The Cold War era in Southeast Asia was characterized by a deadly combination of
interstate conflicts, civil wars, displacement, and genocides.
Many say that the name "Cold War" is a misrepresentation in the region because
of the terrible toll of human misery and lives lost
During the Cold War, ASEAN leaders played a vital role in restricting Chinese
influence, shaping and reconciling conditions between China and the USA, and
extending US involvement in south-eastern Asia
 1959
JANUARY
SEAFET
1961
JULY
(Southeast Asia Friendship and
ASA
Economic Treaty)
(Association of Southeast Asia)
Malaysia and Philippines Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines
economy, trade and for peace and regional
education stability, cooperation,
failed due to disagreements economic, social sciences,
of different SEA countries and culture, and provide
training facilities and
research
Failed due to conflict of
Philippines opposing
1963
JULY
Malaysia’s proposal to
include Sabah as part of
Malaysia
MAPHILINDO
(The Greater Malayan Confederation;
Philippines withdrew
Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia)

Malaysia, Philippines, and

Indonesia

creating a corporation in the
field of economy, culture, and
social science.
Failed due to emphasizing the
national interest instead of
regional interest.
1967
AUGUST 8
BANGKOK DECALARATION
purpose was to establish cooperation
in the field of political security,
economy, social, and culture
lead to the formation of the ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian
Nations)

The Association of Southeast Asian

Nations (ASEAN) was established on
August 8, 1967, with the objective of
maintaining peace and stability in
Southeast Asia. establishing
partnerships with foreign powers with
similar aims, and promoting economic
and cultural cooperation among its
member countries.

1984
1995
JANUARY 7

BRUNEI joins the ASEAN

JULY 28

VIETNAM joins the ASEAN

1997
1999
JULY 23

LAO PDR and MYANMAR

join the ASEAN APRIL 30

CAMBODIA joins the ASEAN

1999-
PRESENT
ASEAN TODAY

- In the region of East Asia's regional

political security and economic
connections, ASEAN has become a
lively and more interconnected
economic region and an ever-greater
sociocultural community.