The Future of History
Emerging signals for change regarding history and Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia is one of the world hubs of culturally rich ancient ethnic groups with diverse social structures. The region embraces three important global religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, apart from being the sea-silk road for spices. Because of the high demand for its natural resources, most of the countries in the region were occupied by the Western Powers and Japan. For almost five centuries, the impact of non-indigenous actors in the past has left the legacy of colonial successors and reached a contemporary tipping point when it became the center of gravity in the Pacific theater of World War II. Decolonization through nation-building and reframing national history were among priorities for the countries in the early post-colonial period. The recent financial crisis in 1997 gave birth to the modern-day Southeast Asia, as all elements and institutions in the region were challenged and shaken by this grand eruption – Southeast Asia history is going to change.
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