Monsoon Asia: Political/Social Issues Societal Challenges – Religious Conflicts and the Status of Women – and the threat of nuclear war…..

Monsoon Asia History Ancient River Valley Civilizations – Indus, Ganges, Yellow, etc. Followed by years of small kingdoms In the 1500’s Europe enters the picture trading for tea, spices, etc. By the 1700’s British control all trade on the Indian subcontinent , the French have most of SE Asia (Malay Peninsula), the Dutch have Indonesia. China stays independent, but is largely controlled by Europe. Revisiting Colonialism – how does it work? who does it benefit? In the Post WWII era, many nations gain independence using a variety of methods – India uses peaceful protests with Ghandi leading, French IndoChina fights a series of wars from the 1950’s to 1970’s. China fights a civil war.

When the Europeans leave… It all depends…for reasons we don’t care about, we end up with basically two paths Government Types in Monsoon Asia Democracy – what are the characteristics? Examples:India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, etc. 2. Totalitarianism – what are the characteristics? Examples: China, North Korea, Vietnam What can you predict about type of social structure in these nations? What about levels of economic development?

Religious Challenges Overall, the region is very diverse – lots of views represented and most live peacefully side by side. Indonesia – world’s largest Muslim population. Remember the challenge? Religious conflict in Indian subcontinent between Hindus and Muslims.

Religious conflicts in Indian Subcontinent Everyone sticks together against the British, but at independence, fears arise that the Hindu majority will not treat the Muslim minority fairly – the “answer” becomes PARTITION in 1947 (Division of India)- India and Pakistan splits along religious lines In this case, religion adds to conflict in the region.

Partition in Pictures “India” is created and Pakistan separated. India is Hindu, Pakistan Muslim. Continued fighting today over Kashmir – religion and water

Status of Women in Monsoon Asia Overall status of women = very low. Generally one of the lowest in the world. But still a mixed bag. In poverty stricken nations – education is not always available to women, some nations have a tradition of separating women and nonfamily men, even some cases of female infanticide and dowry killings. In developed nations – women in Japan earn 47% less than men in similar jobs, yet have similar civil rights and legal protections, and are generally well educated.

Caste System- ancient Hindu system of classifying people in to different classes Determines economic statusIllegal in India today but there are still signs in society http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhUwKXIQ5kM

An interesting note – Women Leaders More women political leaders than any other region in the world – Gandhi of India and Bhutto of Pakistan (both were assassinated) Women have been elected to highest offices in Bangladesh, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, etc. So what exactly is going on????? Rather than earning their positions independently, almost every one of them has risen to power through a family connection (NYT, Feb 2010) How does this impact the status of women overall in Monsoon Asia? Indira Ghandi Benazir Bhutto

Democracy in India and Indonesia http://time.com/50062/elections-india-indonesia-video-guide/ http://www.bbc.com/news/business-27465347

A note on nuclear weapons in the region – others have them, but here are the areas of concern. Both Pakistan and India have nuclear weapons and have threatened to use them at various points in their conflict. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rmUiLwy7kI Korean conflict – in 2010 North Korea fired missiles into South Korea killing 2 and injuring about 20. North Korea fired on and sank a South Korean naval vessel and killed 46 sailors. The “Dear Leader” has nuclear weapons…. Not only does the world worry about these conflicts, but also about the security of nuclear weapons in these nations.

So – what does this leave as current challenges…… Overpopulation and Population Density – See previous notes. Why is it so big? How can we “fix” it? Challenges and issues? Effects on development. Income and Social Equity Gap – rich v poor, women v men. Economic challenges - (they call it globalization, we call it outsourcing) and the entire issue of development and how to create a decent life for so many people. And of course – nuclear weapons and potential terrorism.