Political Economy of Southeast Asia

asian studies project and need a sample draft to help me learn.

I. Research Paper
A. Format
The topics are open. You can write on whatever topics that interest you. However, the topics must be related to political economy issues in Southeast Asia (broadly defined). The papers may focus on a specific country, a group of selected countries, or the region as a whole.
The main text of each paper must be strictly less than 15 pages (template provided). Tables, charts, pictures, and other supplementary information can be added to the appendix and do not count toward the page limit.
The paper must have an abstract, presented at the beginning. The abstract must summarize the main idea of the paper. In particular, the abstract must answer all of the following three questions: (1) what is the research question of this paper? (2) what is the research method you use to answer that question? (3) what is the answer to that question? The abstract cannot exceed 150 words.
B. Grading Criteria
The score for the paper is based on its originality and intellectual contents, not its length. Each paper is graded on the following criteria:
1. Topic relevance and clear idea: You have to be clear about your research question, i.e., what you want to explore and answer. You have to convince readers why your paper is interesting, important, and relevant, i.e., why they should read your paper. You have to deliver a clear message on what the paper is about. If the readers are left unclear about what you try to say after reading the paper, then the paper is not clear. Good introduction and good conclusion are necessary, but also make sure that the whole paper is coherent, flows well, and is not confusing.
2. Reasonable arguments: Your arguments must be logical. For example, if you claim that excess demand leads to lower prices, that is not generally logical. If that is in fact the case, explain why it is so. Likewise, if you claim that more corruption leads to more private investment, make sure to explain why. Finally, if you would like to explain some findings or stylized facts, try to think about alternative explanations, and explain why your argument is preferred to the alternatives.
3. Contribution: Make sure the readers know what your contributions are. Copying ideas from other sources without putting your own analytical thinking and arguments into the paper will not give you high score in this category (even when you provide appropriate citations and references). Posting new questions, presenting new findings, or making your own opinions and arguments give you higher scores.
II. Infographic / Data Visualization
You are required to create a data visualization that conveys information about anything related to Southeast Asia. The visualization must conform with the following instructions:
1. You collect raw data and create a graphic that presents the information from the data. The data could be from secondary source(s) but you are required to create the visualization by yourself.
2. You must choose the graphic format, title, label, colors, fonts that are appropriate to the information you present (line, bar, pie, scatter plot, fitted line, map, etc.). The graphic must be clearly presented and easy to understand.
3. It contains a short paragraph that summarizes the main message of the graphic. You can also add supplementary/clarifying information related to the graphic in this paragraph. The paragraph must not exceed 100 words. This word limit is strictly enforced.
4. It contains the source(s) of the data.
5. The graphic, the summary paragraph, the data sources, and your name must be in one page of a letter size paper. Submit (1) the pdf format of the assignment AND (2) the raw data in spreadsheet format (e.g. .xls or .csv). Deadline: March 1st
III. Research proposal
The proposal is two-page long and consists of (1) topic, (2) research question and motivation, (3) tentative outline of your study method and references. Deadline: February 12th
IV.Background Presentations.
The contents are the background and current issues in Southeast Asia that’s related to your term paper’s topic. 15 slides minimum with graphs and numbers. See sample. Deadline: February 4th
Requirements: Research paper, Research proposal, Infographic / Data Visualization, Background presentation (with speaker notes))
International relations issues
Does China’s soft power in Southeast Asia advantage China’s position in the South China Sea disputes?
Is ASEAN an effective organization when it comes to addressing the South China Sea disputes?
Is the US-China trade war beneficial to countries in Southeast Asia?
Is the US presence in the Indo-Pacific helping de-escalate the tensions on South China Sea?
Did the Japanese occupation of the region during World War II help develop nationalism in the region?
Is China’s dominant economic influence in Southeast Asia helping the region’s economic development?
Political economy issues
Single-country (within country) analysis
Is Brunei’s rich source of gas and oil detrimental to Brunei’s economic development?
Is Indonesia’s Omnibus Law on Jobs Creation benefiting Indonesia’s economy?
Did Vietnam’s Doi Moi (open door) policy help accelerate Vietnam’s economic growth?
Do Filipinos’ preference for authoritarian leadership help explain the strong support for President Duterte’s Drug War?
Is Myanmar’s ethnic diversity helping or hindering democratization in Myanmar?
Did Thailand’s ecotourism policy help shield its economy during the Asian Financial crisis?
Is Islam protecting or hindering women’s empowerment in Indonesia?
Did British colonization help Singapore’s economic development?
Do Malaysia’s policies to address ethnic diversity help with political stability?
Does Cambodia’s dynastic political leadership help grow Cambodia’s economy?
Comparative (multi-country) analysis
Do the differences in the structure of the communist regimes in Vietnam and Laos explain the differences in the provision of public goods and services between the two countries?
Does experience with colonialism help explain why the Chinese are well-integrated in Thailand but not in the Philippines?
Has democracy helped the economy development of democracies in Southeast Asia?
Does having a more democratic government help in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia?
Singapore: Police and Corruption
How does a single-party dominant regime, like Singapore, maintain peace and civil content without corruption while governing as a police state?2
Outline▰Comparative Study: Cambodia▰Is Singapore a police state?▰Political Structure▰Anti-Corruption Mission▰Public Response▰Summary3
Comparative Study: Cambodia
Government and CorruptionSimilarities- King and President are both figureheads-Prime Ministers run the actual government -Large military enforces rules and laws-Single party holds country-Restriction of freedomsDifferences-PM, Hun Sen, gained large wealth from corruption-No policies to combat corruption effectively -Citizens don’t benefit -Policy in place is not used for the benefit and growth of economy 5
63rd best score in the worldCambodia is ranked 161st
1.Is Singapore a police state
Relations to Police States▰CCTV▰Police records people▰Government Land Ownership▰80% of property▰Civil Restrictions▰Harsh Laws and Fines8*Police State Definition:Government with a repressive control of political, economic, and social life through the power of police
Laws and Fines of Singapore-Chewing/selling gum-Homosexual relations -Smoking-Vandalism -Jaywalking-Not flushing public toilets-Drugs-Feeding pigeons -Walking around naked at home-Playing instruments in public-Singing in public -Drinking water on train -Spitting-Distribution of obscene materials -Connecting to someone else’s wifi*Fines range from $20-$100,000 with jail time and caning
2. Political Structure
Structure put in place during British colonial ruleLegislatureMakes the laws-President -ParliamentExecutiveAdministers the laws-Prime Minister-Cabinet Members-Office-holdersJudiciaryInterprets the laws in court11Prime Minister is the Head of the Government President is the Head of the State
Basic Power Structure12CitizensVotes go to elect the President but not the Prime Minister3President-6 year term President has the power to elect the Prime Minister…virtually a figure headMembers of Parliament- 5 year termElected by the Prime Minister2Prime Minister- Unlimited termsRuns the majority of functions in the government 1
Elections of the Sovereign Republic-All eligible voters have to vote or their future voting rights will be removed-Candidates have 2 weeks for publicity-Strict laws on publicity that benefit ruling party-Prime Minister chosen by President with no term limit -Official elections are held every 6 years13
People’s Action PartySince 1954Lee Kuan Yew-31 yearsGoh Chok Tong-13 yearsLee Hsien Loong-15 years14
PAP’s authoritarian hold on Singaporean politics 152015 Election Result
3. Anti-Corruption Mission
173rd best score in the worldThese bottom countries are also known for harsh policing
Corruption Barriers-British left clean system-PAP’s missions statement on anti-corruption-White uniforms to symbolize purity-Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) created 1952-Prevention of Corruption Act 18
4. Public Response
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SummarySingapore functions as a police state with barriers in place for corruption. The public remains content with the authoritarian rule of PAP as long as they continue benefiting from Singapore’s growth.23
Questions?