Nordic Southeast Asia Network
Welcome to the N-SEA Network!
Against the move away from area or regional studies that characterizes much scholarly thinking today, we have found the need to re-invigorate a conversation about Southeast Asia as a region. We do so with humility and mindful of integrating the insights from thematic approaches and the increasing globalization. This conversation is important for several reasons. Firstly, as more and more focus is being lavished on India and China, it seems as though Southeast Asia is being forgotten despite the fact that the region is growing in economic and demographic importance. Furthermore, the region is increasingly globalized through mass-migration, especially from Thailand and the Philippines, but also from the rest of the region. Hence, Southeast Asia is constantly and increasingly present also in Denmark and in the North in general. Finally, Southeast Asian Studies has always contributed with original conceptual developments that cannot be reduced to the study of China and India or the rest of the world.
The aim of the network is to bring scholars together from the Nordic countries through events that are either organized by the network or individuals within the network or events where it would be fruitful to bring aboard a specific Southeast Asian dimension. To facilitate the exchange between students will be of particular importance. Finally, the network will also be used as a vehicle for fundraising and common projects.
In April 2013 more than twenty Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and non-Nordic researchers met in Copenhagen for a workshop aimed at presenting current research on Southeast Asia, and at launching a Nordic Network of Southeast Asian Studies. The initiative was taken by Steffen Jensen of the Dignity Institute (who is relatively new to Southeast Asian studies) and Oscar Salemink of the University of Copenhagen (who is relatively new to the Nordic countries).
Participants found the workshop successful and useful, and were enthusiastic about the idea of some form of continuation. Researchers from Copenhagen and Lund (Monica Lindberg Falk and Helle Rydstrøm) and Helsinki (Timo Kaartinen) are willing to take the lead in this.
Through the Asian Dynamics Initiative of the University of Copenhagen funding has been secured to construct and maintain a database as well as this website.
The Joint Committee for Nordic research councils in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NOS-HS) has granted funding for activities in 2015.
Partners
