Social Transformations in India, Myanmar, and Thailand: Volume I : Social, Political and Ecological Perspectives

“This book focuses on the different challenges and opportunities for social transformation in India, Myanmar and Thailand, by centering communities and individuals as the main drivers of change. In doing so, it includes discussions on a wide array of issues including women’s empowerment and political participation, ethno-religious tensions, plurilingualism, education reform, community-based healthcare, climate change, disaster management, ecological systems, and vulnerability reduction. Two core foundations are introduced for ensuring broader transformations. The first is the academic diplomacy project – a framework for an engaged academic enquiry focusing on causative, curative, transformative, and promotive factors. The second is a community driven collective struggle that serves as a grassroots possibility to facilitate positive social transformation by using locally available resources and enabling the participation of the resident population. As a whole, the book conveys the importance of a diversification of engagement at the grassroots level to strengthen the capacity of individuals as decisive stakeholders, where the process of social transformation makes communities more interconnected, interdependent, multicultural and vital in building an inclusive society.” Social Transformationsin India, Myanmar, and Thailand: Volume I Foreword By Paul W. Chambers Foreword By Shovan K. Saha References Acknowledgments Contents Notes on Contributors List of Figures List of Tables Part I Fairness, Equality and Freedom 1 Forces of Change: Transformation from the Lens of Academic Diplomacy An Unequal World Challenges in India, Myanmar and Thailand Social Transformation: Peace, Security, and Development Convergence Empowering Individuals as Forces of Change: Challenges and Possibilities References 2 Justice and Fairness: Reflections from a Short Look at the Philosophy of John Rawls Chapter 3 Building Equality and Social Cohesion in Myanmar: Plurilingualism as a Platform for Establishing Peace Culture Introduction The Historical Background of Social Division and Ethnic Identity Pluralistic Society in the Pre-colonial Burma Causes of Division and the Politicization of Ethnicity in the Colonial Period The Outbreak of Ethnic Conflicts After Independence The Emergence of New Divisions During the Process of Democratization Peacebuilding, Reduction of Inequality, and Identity Working for Peace Means Working Against Violence The Concept of Peacebuilding and Its Direction The Relationship Between Inequality, Identity, and Group Mobilisation The Four Dimensions of Inequality Means of Reducing Inequalities for Changing Relationships Means of Creating the Culture of Peace Building Sustainable Peace Through Depolarisation and Cultural Change The Council of Europe’s Initiatives and Language Policy The Background of the Council of Europe’s Initiatives for Greater Unity Language Policy and Plurilingualism: Toward a Greater European Identity A Conceptual Framework for Peacebuilding and the Possible Consequences for Myanmar’s Divided Society Language Policy in Myanmar: Progress or Setback? Conclusion References 4 The Origin of Minority Problem: Thailand Introduction The Pre-Reform Deep South: Tributary Relation and “Divide and Rule” The Deep South During Centralisation: Difference, Threat, and Uncertainty The Role of the Deep South Under Colonialism Conclusion References Chapter 5 Press Freedom Under the Government of Aung San Suu Kyi: The First 5 Years There Is No 100% Press Freedom Military Still Rules Outdated Laws Still Remain Intact Aung San Suu Kyi: Politician, Not Human Rights Activist Perception Gaps Five Suggestions to Improve Press Freedom in Myanmar End the “Beauty and the Beast” Cycle References Part II Communication, Participation and Challenges Chapter 6 Climate Change Communication in Southeast Asia from Journalist Perspective in the Context of Thailand: Raising Awareness by Environment Communication Southeast Asia and Climate Change Challenge The Mystery of Climate Change Mass Media Coverage on Climate Change Mass Media Coverage, Cognitive Setting and Frame Construction of Climate Change Missing Framing for Climate Change in SEA Framing and Developing Understanding of Climate Change and Regional Collaboration Climate Change Situation and Communication About the Situation in Thailand Regional Collaboration References Chapter 7 Urban Ecological Approach for Climate Change Adaptation Toward Sustainable Urban Planning and Development: An Indian Perspective Introduction The Urban Footprint: Indian Scenario Urban Climate Change Challenges Direct Impact of Climate Change in Urban Areas Flooding Sea-Level Rise Heat Waves, Draught, and Land Slight Water/Sanitation Health/Diseases Indirect Impact of Climate Change on Urban Areas Impact of Urbanization Migrations Infrastructures Economic Impacts The Poor and the Vulnerable People Difficulties to Climate Change Adaptation Emergence and Perspective of the Discipline of Urban Ecological Approach Ecological Planning for Sustainable Urban Development Planning Methodology Biophilic Urbanism Approach for the Cities Indian Perspective References Chapter 8 Urban Dynamics, Socioeconomic Transformation and Built Heritage in a Historic Town of India: An Appraisal Introduction Urban Dynamics and Contested Built Heritage Financial Constraints Modernisation—Development Versus Conservation Lack of Social Will Lack of Political Will Lack of Cooperation and Holistic Management Analytical Framework Methodology and Data Serampore: Urban Dynamics, Socioeconomic Transformation and Evolution of Built Heritage Pre-Danish Serampore (1752–1755) Danish Era (1755–1845) British Era (1845–1947) Post-Independence Period (1947–Till Date) Contested Built Heritage at Serampore: Analysis and Discussion Financial Constraint Modernisation Versus Conservation Lack of Social Will Lack of Political Will Lack of Cooperation and Holistic Management Overarching Issues Impact of Urban Transformation on Heritage Abuse of Heritage Precincts Derelict Sites Weakness in Institutional and Community Capacity and Coordination for Conservation Absence of Urban Planning and Regulatory Framework Concluding Remarks References Chapter 9 Women in Myanmar: Marginalisation, Peacebuilding and Participation Challenges in Myanmar’s Transition Marginalisation of Women in the Political Arena: Barriers Gender Equality The Importance of Women in Political Participation, Peace Processes and Security From Local to National: Reality on Ground Enabling Political Participation of Women References Chapter 10 Public Health Reform and Transition in Burma/Myanmar Background References Chapter 11 Challenges and Opportunities for Educational Reform: Under the New Myanmar Government Introduction Current State of Education in Myanmar The Education Policy in the NLD’s Election Manifesto in 2015 100-Day Plan of the Ministry of Education at the Beginning of the NLD Government The National Education Strategic Plan (2016–2021) The Education System Desired by Ethnic Armed Revolutionary Groups The Education System Suggested by Civil Society Education Groups Challenges and Opportunities Conclusion References Chapter 12 Local Transformation in Chiang Rai: The Roles of Administrative Organisation in Management and Preparedness for Earthquake Introduction Chiang Rai’s Earthquake Disaster in 2014 Roles of Local of Saikao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation in Preparedness of Earthquake Disaster Conclusion References Chapter 13 Impact of Institutions on the Performance of Firms in India: Towards Policy Implications for MSMEs from Empirical Evidence Introduction Institutions and Firm Performance MSMEs in India Methodology, Data and Key Variables Major Findings, Interpretation and Analysis Registration Status of MSMEs in India Registration Status and Performance of MSMEs Conclusion and Policy Implications for Social Change Appendix References Part III Livelihoods, Social Cohesion and Planning Chapter 14 Drugs, Livelihoods, and the Limits of Social Transformation in a Highland Periphery of Myanmar The Elements of Insurgent Scale Winning Combinations Means of Warfare The Downgrade: Ethnic Armed Group to Militia Drugs: An Essential Ingredient to Insurgency An Introduction to Opium Enter the Kuomintang The Indigenizing of Production The Tatmadaw—Drug Nexus The Extent of Tatmadaw and Other Sizeable Armed Actor Involvement The Other Side: Drug Enforcement Alternative Livelihoods The Experience of Northern Chin and Tonzang Tonzang’s Geography Chin State’s People Chin Insurgents Opium in Tonzang and Other Areas of Chin State Indian Insurgents and Drugs An Ordinary Place “Village A” Conclusion References Chapter 15 Urban Transformation and Applied Planning Initiatives in Indian Cities Introduction Cities as Engines of Growth Internationalised Economies in the Globalisation-Era Developing Nations as Production Centres Evolving Spatial Structure of Metropolis Regions in India Peri-Urban Zones for New Migrants: Rural to Urban Push Key Drivers of Urban Spatial/Social/Economic Transformation Planning Initiatives by Government for Infrastructure Facilities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Smart-City Mission, Make in India Other Integrated Urban Development Programmes by MoHUA Urban Mobility Projects Dimensions of Urban Transformation in India Infrastructure Facilitated Through Mobility Corridors/TOD Key Challenges for Urban Transformation Conclusions: Opportunities for Contemporary Applied Planning in India Cost-Appropriate Neighbourhoods—Mixed Use, Productive Settlements Cost Sensitivity, Social Equity in Applied Urban Planning References Chapter 16 Rehabilitative Planning Strategy for Transformative Changes of Vulnerable Communities in Indian Sundarban Introduction Sundarban: An Overview Indian Sundarban Livelihood, Conflicts and Threats Migration from Sundarban Thoughts for Rehabilitative Planning Case Studies Concept of Rurban and PURA Broad Issues for Rehabilitative Planning Selection of Zones for Clusters Criteria for Selecting Clusters Conclusion References Chapter 17 Towards Social Transformation in Thailand: Orwellian Power Struggles and ‘Digital’ Human Rights Under the Socio-technical Thai Internet Panopticon The Socio-technical Thai Internet Panopticon Panopticism in Thailand: A Socio-technical, Not Digital, Prison for the Self? Power Manoeuvres: Thai Governmentality, Counter Conduct and Self-surveillance Conclusion: Towards Social Transformation, Social Division and Web Education in Thailand References Chapter 18 Reinforcing Social Cohesion in Myanmar’s Borderlands: Strength, Solidarity, and Sustainability of Ethnic Women Organisations Introduction Revitalisation from Past Crises Pioneer EWOs Active in Border Areas Founded in 1990s EWOs as Viable Agents for Strengthening Social Cohesion EWO’s Suitability Regarding Common Goals and Collective Strength Kachin Women’s Association Thailand (KWAT) Karen Women’s Organization (KWO) Mon Women’s Organization (MWO) Ta’ang Women’s Organization (TWO) Only EWOs Can Make a Difference: Social Cohesion Conclusion References Chapter 19 Multicultural Transformation and Anti-Multicultural Injustice: Critical Histories in the Muslim-Dominated Deep South of Thailand Introduction Dusun-Nyor Incident in 1948 and Haji Sulong Krue Se Mosque Incident in 2004 and Berjihad Di Patani Conclusion Bibliography Chapter 20 Social Transformation and the (Un) Changing Violent Conflict in the Deep South of Thailand Introduction Social Transformation and the Conflict in the Deep South of Thailand Before 2004 Social Transformation and the Violent Conflict in the Deep South of Thailand After 2004 Conclusion References Chapter 21 Disputed Pillars at the Margin of History: Manipur-Myanmar Boundary and India’s Strategic Silence Background Unequal Treaty Relation Disputed Boundaries British Imperial Exigency After 1947: Big Games and the Marginal Pawns Post 1991 Trajectory Reference Chapter 22 Naypyidaw: An Elite Vision for Burma’s Future? Introduction The Capital Shift and Its Geopolitical Implications “Machines for Living”: The Design of Naypyidaw Sacred Spaces and Identity: The Upattasanti Pagoda Conclusion References Chapter 23 Driving Transformation Forward Identifying Commonality in Differences: A Summary of Chapter Contents Evaluation and Reflections from a New Dimension Conclusion References Index