Ashley South
Biographic Data
| ID | 1452665 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Ashley South |
| GIVEN NAMES | Ashley |
| FAMILY NAME | South |
| SIGNATURE | SOUTH A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Chiang Mai University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-3672-1523 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 25 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 278 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 25 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2003 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 9 |
"Failing Assumptions and the "Post-Myanmar Turn
Education Reform in Post-Coup Myanmar: Federalizing or Federating
Contemporary Southeast Asia (CSEA) is one of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute"s flagship publications. Now in its fourth decade of publication, CSEA has succeeded in building up an international reputation as one of Southeast Asia"s premier academic journals. The aim of the peer reviewed journal is to provide subscribers with up to date and in-depth analysis of critical trends and developments in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.…
Empty Ways: Christian Prayer and Daoist Meditation
Empty WaysChristian Prayer and Daoist Meditation Ashley South (bio) Daoist perspectives have been largely absent from discussions of Christian theology and practice. My own experience as a Christian is that Daoist meditation can offer profound contributions to prayer, notably when understood in terms of two ideal types of Christian prayer: apophatic and cataphatic. Apophatic or negative theology attempts to speak only in terms that do not limit t…
Towards “Emergent Federalism” in Post-coup Myanmar
Contemporary Southeast Asia (CSEA) is one of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute"s flagship publications. Now in its fourth decade of publication, CSEA has succeeded in building up an international reputation as one of Southeast Asia"s premier academic journals. The aim of the peer reviewed journal is to provide subscribers with up to date and in-depth analysis of critical trends and developments in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.…
Myanmar's "Rohingya" Conflict: Anthony Ware and Costas Laoutides (London: Hurst, 2018)
This balanced, concise and theoretically coherent volume will presumably become a standard work on the greatest challenge to Myanmar’s incomplete and problematic political transition, following hal
Daoism and Peacebuilding: Toward an Agenda for Research and Practice
Mindanao: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity P.D. Hutchcroft (ed.) ( Mandaluyong City : Anvil Publishing , 2016)
Power Dynamics of Language and Education Policy in Myanmar’s Contested Transition
This article examines the development of education policy in Myanmar/Burma at a period of “critical juncture.” There are two major strands to this article, regarding policy process and stakeholder voices that we bring together. We argue that powerful actors such as the government and international agencies frame policy in ways that often exclude the concerns and aspirations of education users and that there are often significant gaps between thei…
Buddhism, Politics and Political Thought in Myanmar
Buddhism, Politics and Political Thought in Myanmar." Journal of Contemporary Asia, 48(5), pp. 855–856
"Hybrid Governance" and the Politics of Legitimacy in the Myanmar Peace Process
This article examines competing claims to political legitimacy and sovereignty in Myanmar's conflict-affected areas of "limited statehood." In the context of ceasefires and an emerging peace process since 2012, non-state-controlled "liberated zones" and areas of mixed insurgent and government authority constitute new political spaces, where multiple state and para-state actors demonstrate governance authority, extract resources and provide servic…
Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South Adam Simpson ( Copenhagen : Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Press , 2017 (…
Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South Adam Simpson (Copenhagen: Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Press, 2017 (second edition))." Journal of Contemporary Asia, 48(3), pp. 519–520
Language, Education and the Peace Process in Myanmar
Language, Education and the Peace Process in Myanmar
This article analyses the relationship between the politics of education and language, and armed conflict and ongoing peace process in Myanmar. It discusses the state education system, which since the military coup of 1962 has promoted the idea of the country based on the language and culture of the Bamar (Burman) majority community, and the school systems developed by ethnic armed groups which oppose the military government. Ethnic opposition ed…
From Rebels to Rulers: The Challenges of Transition for Non-state Armed Groups in Mindanao and Myanmar
This article presents a critical comparison of the ongoing peace processes in the southern Philippines and Myanmar (Burma). It does so by examining two key armed groups: the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Mindanao, and the Karen National Union (KNU) in Myanmar. We identify common elements that help to explain the relative – albeit incomplete – success of these two groups in navigating their respective peace processes. The MILF and KNU ar…
War and Peace in the Borderlands of Myanmar: The Kachin Ceasefire, 1994-2011
War and Peace in the Borderlands of Myanmar: The Kachin Ceasefire, 1994-2011. Edited by Mandy Sadan. Copenhagen: NIAS Press, 2016. Softcover: 517pp. This collection of essays on the historical precedents, anthropology, political economy and prospects of conflict and peace in Kachin State, Northern Myanmar makes an outstanding contribution to the literature. It should be regarded as essential reading on these issues, together with the editor, Mand…
Richard Cockett,Blood, Dreams and Gold: The Changing Face of Burma
This is as much a popular introduction to Myanmar history, politics and culture, as an in-depth academic study. Richard Cockett nevertheless provides a number of important insights into this beauti
General Ne Win: A Political Biography
Robert Taylor has had a distinguished academic career focused mostly on the study of Myanmar. He has produced important work on the military-dominated state (particularly The State in Burma, London
Being and Becoming Kachin: Histories Beyond the State in the Borderworlds of Burma
Since independence in 1948, Burma has suffered from many internal conflicts. One of the longest of these has been in the Kachin State, in the north of the country where Burma has borders with India to the west and China to the east. This book explores the origins of the armed movement that started in 1961 and considers why it has continued for so long. The book places the problems that have led to hostilities between the political heartland of Bu…
Forced Migration: Typology and Local Agency in Southeast Myanmar
This article describes and analyses the decision-making and approaches to return, resettlement and rehabilitation of forced migrants--Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and refugees--in the context of armed conflict and an emerging process in southeast Myanmar. Drawing on literatures on agency and protection, we argue that forced migrants in and from Myanmar demonstrate great resilience and significant social capital, and that external support sh…
Comparing Models of Non-state Ethnic Education in Myanmar: The Mon and Karen National Education Regimes
This article explores two models of non-state education provision in Myanmar (Burma), in order to draw conclusions regarding templates for ethnic education regimes in this fast-changing country. Ethnic Armed Groups in Myanmar have developed education systems in the context of long-running armed conflicts. This paper examines two such regimes. Karen communities struggle with few resources to educate their children. Despite great difficulties, the …
The Politics of Protection in Burma: Beyond the Humanitarian Mainstream
This article explores how people living in areas of Burma/Myanmar affected by armed conflict (Karen populations in the southeast) and natural disaster (Cyclone Nargis in the Irrawaddy Delta) understand “protection” and act to minimize risks and protect themselves, their families, and communities. What do vulnerable people seek to protect, and how do they view the roles of other stakeholders, including the state, non-state actors (armed and politi…
Ethnic Politics in Burma: States of Conflict
This book examines the ideas which have structured half a century of civil war in Burma, and the roles which political elites and foreign networks - from colonial missionaries to aid worker activists - have played in mediating understandings of ethnic conflict in the country. The book includes a brief overview of precolonial and colonial Burma, and the emergence ethnic identity as a politically salient characteristic. It describes the struggle fo…
Karen Nationalist Communities: The “ Problem” of Diversity
This essay describes how, since the colonial period, different actors in and from Burma (Myanmar) have mobilized political support around sometimes competing notions of Karen ethno-nationalism.Christian elites in particular have sought to impose a homogenous idea of 'Karen-ness' on this diverse society.These concepts and processes have been legitimized by outsiders, including missionaries and (more recently) human rights activists and aid workers…
Political Transition in Myanmar: A New Model for Democratization
This article examines social and political transition in Myanmar (Burma), arguing that the tentative re-emergence of civil society networks within and between ethnic nationality/minority communities over the past decade is one of the most significant — but under-examined — aspects of the social and political situation in the country. This article analyses the challenges facing the country's ethnic nationalist leaders and communities. It also addr…
Mon Nationalism and Civil War in Burma: The Golden Sheldrake
Part I: The Mon in Burma and Thailand 1. Introduction 2. Demographics, Language and Ethnic Identity 3. Mon Nationalism in Burma and Thailand Part II. Classical Mon Civilisation and the Colonial Period 1. The Rise of the Mon 2. Pegu and Pagan - the Kingdoms of Ramanyadesa and the Mon-Burman Wars 3. The British Period and the Second World War Part III. Independence, Civil War and Ethnic Insurgency 1. Burma and the Mon, 1945-192 2. Insurgents on the…
Ethnic Politics in Burma: States of Conflict
This book examines the ideas which have structured half a century of civil war in Burma, and the roles which political elites and foreign networks - from colonial missionaries to aid worker activists - have played in mediating understandings of ethnic conflict in the country. The book includes a brief overview of precolonial and colonial Burma, and the emergence ethnic identity as a politically salient characteristic. It describes the struggle fo…
War and Peace in the Borderlands of Myanmar: The Kachin Ceasefire, 1994-2011
War and Peace in the Borderlands of Myanmar: The Kachin Ceasefire, 1994-2011. Edited by Mandy Sadan. Copenhagen: NIAS Press, 2016. Softcover: 517pp. This collection of essays on the historical precedents, anthropology, political economy and prospects of conflict and peace in Kachin State, Northern Myanmar makes an outstanding contribution to the literature. It should be regarded as essential reading on these issues, together with the editor, Mand…
"Hybrid Governance" and the Politics of Legitimacy in the Myanmar Peace Process
This article examines competing claims to political legitimacy and sovereignty in Myanmar's conflict-affected areas of "limited statehood." In the context of ceasefires and an emerging peace process since 2012, non-state-controlled "liberated zones" and areas of mixed insurgent and government authority constitute new political spaces, where multiple state and para-state actors demonstrate governance authority, extract resources and provide servic…
Karen Nationalist Communities: The “ Problem” of Diversity
This essay describes how, since the colonial period, different actors in and from Burma (Myanmar) have mobilized political support around sometimes competing notions of Karen ethno-nationalism.Christian elites in particular have sought to impose a homogenous idea of 'Karen-ness' on this diverse society.These concepts and processes have been legitimized by outsiders, including missionaries and (more recently) human rights activists and aid workers…
Political Transition in Myanmar: A New Model for Democratization
This article examines social and political transition in Myanmar (Burma), arguing that the tentative re-emergence of civil society networks within and between ethnic nationality/minority communities over the past decade is one of the most significant — but under-examined — aspects of the social and political situation in the country. This article analyses the challenges facing the country's ethnic nationalist leaders and communities. It also addr…
Power Dynamics of Language and Education Policy in Myanmar’s Contested Transition
This article examines the development of education policy in Myanmar/Burma at a period of “critical juncture.” There are two major strands to this article, regarding policy process and stakeholder voices that we bring together. We argue that powerful actors such as the government and international agencies frame policy in ways that often exclude the concerns and aspirations of education users and that there are often significant gaps between thei…
Comparing Models of Non-state Ethnic Education in Myanmar: The Mon and Karen National Education Regimes
This article explores two models of non-state education provision in Myanmar (Burma), in order to draw conclusions regarding templates for ethnic education regimes in this fast-changing country. Ethnic Armed Groups in Myanmar have developed education systems in the context of long-running armed conflicts. This paper examines two such regimes. Karen communities struggle with few resources to educate their children. Despite great difficulties, the …
From Rebels to Rulers: The Challenges of Transition for Non-state Armed Groups in Mindanao and Myanmar
This article presents a critical comparison of the ongoing peace processes in the southern Philippines and Myanmar (Burma). It does so by examining two key armed groups: the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Mindanao, and the Karen National Union (KNU) in Myanmar. We identify common elements that help to explain the relative – albeit incomplete – success of these two groups in navigating their respective peace processes. The MILF and KNU ar…
Forced Migration: Typology and Local Agency in Southeast Myanmar
This article describes and analyses the decision-making and approaches to return, resettlement and rehabilitation of forced migrants--Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and refugees--in the context of armed conflict and an emerging process in southeast Myanmar. Drawing on literatures on agency and protection, we argue that forced migrants in and from Myanmar demonstrate great resilience and significant social capital, and that external support sh…
The Politics of Protection in Burma: Beyond the Humanitarian Mainstream
This article explores how people living in areas of Burma/Myanmar affected by armed conflict (Karen populations in the southeast) and natural disaster (Cyclone Nargis in the Irrawaddy Delta) understand “protection” and act to minimize risks and protect themselves, their families, and communities. What do vulnerable people seek to protect, and how do they view the roles of other stakeholders, including the state, non-state actors (armed and politi…
Towards “Emergent Federalism” in Post-coup Myanmar
Contemporary Southeast Asia (CSEA) is one of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute"s flagship publications. Now in its fourth decade of publication, CSEA has succeeded in building up an international reputation as one of Southeast Asia"s premier academic journals. The aim of the peer reviewed journal is to provide subscribers with up to date and in-depth analysis of critical trends and developments in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.…
Education Reform in Post-Coup Myanmar: Federalizing or Federating
Contemporary Southeast Asia (CSEA) is one of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute"s flagship publications. Now in its fourth decade of publication, CSEA has succeeded in building up an international reputation as one of Southeast Asia"s premier academic journals. The aim of the peer reviewed journal is to provide subscribers with up to date and in-depth analysis of critical trends and developments in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.…
Mon Nationalism and Civil War in Burma: The Golden Sheldrake
Part I: The Mon in Burma and Thailand 1. Introduction 2. Demographics, Language and Ethnic Identity 3. Mon Nationalism in Burma and Thailand Part II. Classical Mon Civilisation and the Colonial Period 1. The Rise of the Mon 2. Pegu and Pagan - the Kingdoms of Ramanyadesa and the Mon-Burman Wars 3. The British Period and the Second World War Part III. Independence, Civil War and Ethnic Insurgency 1. Burma and the Mon, 1945-192 2. Insurgents on the…
Political Transition in Myanmar: A New Model for Democratization
This article examines social and political transition in Myanmar (Burma), arguing that the tentative re-emergence of civil society networks within and between ethnic nationality/minority communities over the past decade is one of the most significant — but under-examined — aspects of the social and political situation in the country. This article analyses the challenges facing the country's ethnic nationalist leaders and communities. It also addr…
Karen Nationalist Communities: The “ Problem” of Diversity
This essay describes how, since the colonial period, different actors in and from Burma (Myanmar) have mobilized political support around sometimes competing notions of Karen ethno-nationalism.Christian elites in particular have sought to impose a homogenous idea of 'Karen-ness' on this diverse society.These concepts and processes have been legitimized by outsiders, including missionaries and (more recently) human rights activists and aid workers…
Ethnic Politics in Burma: States of Conflict
This book examines the ideas which have structured half a century of civil war in Burma, and the roles which political elites and foreign networks - from colonial missionaries to aid worker activists - have played in mediating understandings of ethnic conflict in the country. The book includes a brief overview of precolonial and colonial Burma, and the emergence ethnic identity as a politically salient characteristic. It describes the struggle fo…
The Politics of Protection in Burma: Beyond the Humanitarian Mainstream
This article explores how people living in areas of Burma/Myanmar affected by armed conflict (Karen populations in the southeast) and natural disaster (Cyclone Nargis in the Irrawaddy Delta) understand “protection” and act to minimize risks and protect themselves, their families, and communities. What do vulnerable people seek to protect, and how do they view the roles of other stakeholders, including the state, non-state actors (armed and politi…
Comparing Models of Non-state Ethnic Education in Myanmar: The Mon and Karen National Education Regimes
This article explores two models of non-state education provision in Myanmar (Burma), in order to draw conclusions regarding templates for ethnic education regimes in this fast-changing country. Ethnic Armed Groups in Myanmar have developed education systems in the context of long-running armed conflicts. This paper examines two such regimes. Karen communities struggle with few resources to educate their children. Despite great difficulties, the …
Being and Becoming Kachin: Histories Beyond the State in the Borderworlds of Burma
Since independence in 1948, Burma has suffered from many internal conflicts. One of the longest of these has been in the Kachin State, in the north of the country where Burma has borders with India to the west and China to the east. This book explores the origins of the armed movement that started in 1961 and considers why it has continued for so long. The book places the problems that have led to hostilities between the political heartland of Bu…
Forced Migration: Typology and Local Agency in Southeast Myanmar
This article describes and analyses the decision-making and approaches to return, resettlement and rehabilitation of forced migrants--Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and refugees--in the context of armed conflict and an emerging process in southeast Myanmar. Drawing on literatures on agency and protection, we argue that forced migrants in and from Myanmar demonstrate great resilience and significant social capital, and that external support sh…
Language, Education and the Peace Process in Myanmar
Language, Education and the Peace Process in Myanmar
This article analyses the relationship between the politics of education and language, and armed conflict and ongoing peace process in Myanmar. It discusses the state education system, which since the military coup of 1962 has promoted the idea of the country based on the language and culture of the Bamar (Burman) majority community, and the school systems developed by ethnic armed groups which oppose the military government. Ethnic opposition ed…
From Rebels to Rulers: The Challenges of Transition for Non-state Armed Groups in Mindanao and Myanmar
This article presents a critical comparison of the ongoing peace processes in the southern Philippines and Myanmar (Burma). It does so by examining two key armed groups: the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Mindanao, and the Karen National Union (KNU) in Myanmar. We identify common elements that help to explain the relative – albeit incomplete – success of these two groups in navigating their respective peace processes. The MILF and KNU ar…
War and Peace in the Borderlands of Myanmar: The Kachin Ceasefire, 1994-2011
War and Peace in the Borderlands of Myanmar: The Kachin Ceasefire, 1994-2011. Edited by Mandy Sadan. Copenhagen: NIAS Press, 2016. Softcover: 517pp. This collection of essays on the historical precedents, anthropology, political economy and prospects of conflict and peace in Kachin State, Northern Myanmar makes an outstanding contribution to the literature. It should be regarded as essential reading on these issues, together with the editor, Mand…
Richard Cockett,Blood, Dreams and Gold: The Changing Face of Burma
This is as much a popular introduction to Myanmar history, politics and culture, as an in-depth academic study. Richard Cockett nevertheless provides a number of important insights into this beauti
General Ne Win: A Political Biography
Robert Taylor has had a distinguished academic career focused mostly on the study of Myanmar. He has produced important work on the military-dominated state (particularly The State in Burma, London
Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South Adam Simpson ( Copenhagen : Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Press , 2017 (…
Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South Adam Simpson (Copenhagen: Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Press, 2017 (second edition))." Journal of Contemporary Asia, 48(3), pp. 519–520
Daoism and Peacebuilding: Toward an Agenda for Research and Practice
Mindanao: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity P.D. Hutchcroft (ed.) ( Mandaluyong City : Anvil Publishing , 2016)
Power Dynamics of Language and Education Policy in Myanmar’s Contested Transition
This article examines the development of education policy in Myanmar/Burma at a period of “critical juncture.” There are two major strands to this article, regarding policy process and stakeholder voices that we bring together. We argue that powerful actors such as the government and international agencies frame policy in ways that often exclude the concerns and aspirations of education users and that there are often significant gaps between thei…
Buddhism, Politics and Political Thought in Myanmar
Buddhism, Politics and Political Thought in Myanmar." Journal of Contemporary Asia, 48(5), pp. 855–856
"Hybrid Governance" and the Politics of Legitimacy in the Myanmar Peace Process
This article examines competing claims to political legitimacy and sovereignty in Myanmar's conflict-affected areas of "limited statehood." In the context of ceasefires and an emerging peace process since 2012, non-state-controlled "liberated zones" and areas of mixed insurgent and government authority constitute new political spaces, where multiple state and para-state actors demonstrate governance authority, extract resources and provide servic…
Myanmar's "Rohingya" Conflict: Anthony Ware and Costas Laoutides (London: Hurst, 2018)
This balanced, concise and theoretically coherent volume will presumably become a standard work on the greatest challenge to Myanmar’s incomplete and problematic political transition, following hal
Empty Ways: Christian Prayer and Daoist Meditation
Empty WaysChristian Prayer and Daoist Meditation Ashley South (bio) Daoist perspectives have been largely absent from discussions of Christian theology and practice. My own experience as a Christian is that Daoist meditation can offer profound contributions to prayer, notably when understood in terms of two ideal types of Christian prayer: apophatic and cataphatic. Apophatic or negative theology attempts to speak only in terms that do not limit t…
Towards “Emergent Federalism” in Post-coup Myanmar
Contemporary Southeast Asia (CSEA) is one of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute"s flagship publications. Now in its fourth decade of publication, CSEA has succeeded in building up an international reputation as one of Southeast Asia"s premier academic journals. The aim of the peer reviewed journal is to provide subscribers with up to date and in-depth analysis of critical trends and developments in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.…
Education Reform in Post-Coup Myanmar: Federalizing or Federating
Contemporary Southeast Asia (CSEA) is one of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute"s flagship publications. Now in its fourth decade of publication, CSEA has succeeded in building up an international reputation as one of Southeast Asia"s premier academic journals. The aim of the peer reviewed journal is to provide subscribers with up to date and in-depth analysis of critical trends and developments in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.…
"Failing Assumptions and the "Post-Myanmar Turn
Political science (23 works) · Asian Geopolitics and Ethnography (22 works) · Law (17 works) · Politics (17 works) · Sociology (13 works) · Law (12 works) · Cambodian History and Society (10 works) · Geography (9 works) · Southeast Asian Sociopolitical Studies (9 works) · Political economy (8 works)