Articles written by John Walsh
All 158 articles written by John Walsh
Drinking in the Tang Dynasty: Rice Wine, Spirits and Poetry
Category: Tang Dynasty
How, when and why did people drink during the Tang Dynasty? more...
Eunuchs: The Castrated in the Tang Dynasty
Category: Tang Dynasty
Who were the eunuchs and what was their role in the Tang Dynasty? more...
Ancient Shinto Shrines: How Japanese Worshipped Before Buddhism
Category: Chinese History (general)
What were the shrines that the Japanese people erected to support their animist Shinto beliefs in the ancient past? more...
Ang Yi: Chinese Secret Societies in Siam
Category: SE Asian History (general)
Chinese secret societies have a long history of resisting injustice and oppression. They followed the same pattern in Siam before being ruthlessly suppressed. more...
Megasthenes: Greek Emissary to the Mauryan Empire
Category: South Asian History
Contact between the Greek Selucid world and the INdian Mauryan one was deepened by the man who wrote the Indica. more...
Nestorian Christianity: A Church Popular in Tang China
Category: Chinese History (general)
Marco Polo noted the presence of Nestorians throughout China. Who were these people and what did they believe? more...
The Dalai Lamas: Religious Leaders of Tibet
Category: Chinese History (general)
Who is the Dalai Lama? The fourteenth - what happened to the first thirteen? more...
The History of Tibet: Exploring Little-Known People and Culture
Category: Chinese History (general)
A thematic introduction to a series of articles about the history of Tibet. more...
Sino Vietnamese Relationships: Explaining the Causes of the 1979 War
Category: Chinese History (general)
Why did China and Vietnam go to war in 1979? What factors have affected their relationship? more...
The Communist Party of Thailand: Attempted Insurrection in Siam Suppressed
Category: SE Asian History (general)
The Communist Party of Thailand was a Maoist organization that, for a while, threatened a revolution in the country. How was it finally defeated? more...
The Mongol Destruction of Georgia: A Christian Nation Overrun by Steppe Invaders
Category: SE Asian History (general)
Few people in the west are aware of the proud history of the Georgian and Armenian peoples as bulwarks of Christianity. The history of Kiriakos describes the end. more...
Thailand's Election 2007: The First Vote Since the 2006 Coup Brings Victory to Thaksin Allies
Category: Thailand
Thailand's 23rd December 2007 general election led to the widely-predicted victory for the People's Power Party. But, short of an overall majority, can a coalition arise? more...
The Thugs: The Myths of the Cult of Kali
Category: Indian History
The Thugs strangled hundreds, thousands and perhaps even millions of Indians during their reign of terror. Many myths surround them - here are the main ones. more...
Superstition: The Role of Magic in Decision-Making
Category: Thailand
Why is superstition so prevalent in Thailand and what does it mean for decision-making by leading figures? more...
Yuan: The Mongol Dynasty, 1279-1368
Category: Chinese History (general)
The reign of the Mongols over China was disastrous for the Chinese people. They finally threw out their oppressors - how did this come to pass? more...
The Five Dynasties: The Dark Ages of China between Tang and Song Dynasties
Category: Chinese History (general)
An introduction to the chaotic period of five dynasties and ten principalities throuh which China suffered between 907-960. Was this period really the Dark Ages? more...
Magic in Ancient India: Monsters, Ghosts and Vampires in the Imagination
Category: Indian History
What kinds of monsters and magic existed in the ancient Indian imagination? more...
Daughters-in-Law in Song China: Lives Lived for Obedience, Modesty, Chastity and Filial Piety
Category: Chinese History (general)
Once the wedding party was over, what sort of life could brides expect in the China of the Song Dynasty (960-1279)? more...
Funerals in Ancient India: Priests, Demons and Widows Entering the Pyre
Category: Indian History
How were funerals organized in Ancient India and what did they involve? more...
Pramoedya Ananta Toer: The Greatest Modern Writer of Indonesia
Category: East Asian History
No Southeast Asian writer has ever won the Nobel Prize for Literature but none has come closer than Pramoedya Ananta Toer. This is an introduction to his life. more...
The Chinese in Laos: Thousands Migrate, Fears of a Parallel State
Category: Laos
Thousands of Chinese workers are establishing themselves in the sparsely-populated regions of northern Laos. Why is this happening and what does it mean? more...
Slavery in Ancient India: Greek, African, Criminal and Volunteer Slaves
Category: Indian History
What was the nature of slavery in Ancient India? What kind of people were slaves? Was it possible to escape? more...
Opium Production in Burma: Is It on the Rise?
Category: Burma
After years of suppression, opium production seems to be on the rise in Burma. Why is this happening and what does it mean? more...
Temur Oljeitu: Second Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty
Category: Chinese History (general)
The life and times of Temur Oljeitu (Chengzong), the grandson of and successor to Khubilai Khan, the Mongol conqueror of China. more...
ASEAN: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Category: East Asian History
What is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and what is it purpose? Has it been successful? more...
The Shwe Dagon Pagoda: The Centre of Buddhist Religion in Burma
Category: SE Asian History (general)
The Shwe Dagon Pagoda is the central location for demonstrations by monks in Burma's Saffron Revolution. What is it and what is it for? more...
Different Not Quite Equal: The Status of Thai Women
Category: East Asian History
Women in Thailand were traditionally equal in nearly all ways to men - and in many cases still are. Why did that start to change? more...
Kedah: Northern Malaysian Crossroads
Category: East Asian History
An introduction to the early history of the northern Malaysian state of Kedah. more...
The Saffron Revolution: Why Are Thousands of Monks Demonstrating in Burma?
Category: Burma
Why are monks and nuns demonstrating in Burma? What do they want and is it justified? more...
Nuon Chea Arrested: Khmer Rouge's Brother Number Two to Face Trial
Category: Cambodia
Nuon Chea, Brother Number Two under the infamous Khmer Rouge regime, has been arrested with a view to facing human rights charges in the forthcoming UN-backed tribunal. more...
Yunnan Province: Where China and Southeast Asia Meet
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
The nature and importance of Yunnan Province, where China joins the Greater Mekong Sub-Region. more...
Vientiane: At the Centre of the Transnational Network
Category: Laos
The capital city of Laos is emerging as an important node in the transnational, transportation network linking the Greater Mekong Sub-Region. more...
Does Unionism Have a Future?: The Role of Trades Unions in Thailand
Category: Thailand
Trade (labour) unions have had a difficult history in Thailand - is there any hope for a more progressive future? more...
The Battle of Chakirmaut: Genghis Khan Conquers Mongolia
Category: SE Asian History (general)
At the Battle of Chakirmaut, Genghis Khan realised his plan to conquer the whole of Mongolia - next step, the world. more...
Taizong: Second Emperor of the Tang Dynasty
Category: Chinese History (general)
The life and times of Taizong, one of China's greatest ever emperors. more...
ASEAN Accepts Climate Change: Recent Meeting Outlines Agenda for 13th ASEAN Summit
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
The 10th informal Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN held in Bangkok has laid out an agenda for tackling climate change in ASEAN to be discussed at November's 13th ASEAN Summit more...
The Yellow Ribbon Campaign: Singapore's Government Seeks Jobs for Ex-Offenders
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
The people of Singapore have been asked to exchange some personal freedom for the high standard of living they enjoy. The government responds by helping the needy. more...
Burmese Demonstrations Continue: Fuel Prices Raised 500%
Category: Burma
Why has the Burmese military junta suddenly removed fuel subsidies, causing the price to rise by 500% and cause untold economic misery? Is it economics or politics? more...
Thai Referendum Result: Narrow Vote in Favour Gives Junta Pause for Thought
Category: Thailand
An unexpectedly slim majority voted in favour of the Thai junta's new constitution. What will be the impact of this charter and the implications of the small majority? more...
An Indonesian Economic Quickstep 3: Boediono Leads the Economic Recovery
Category: Indonesia
How Co-ordinating Minister Boediono has led the economic recovery of Indonesia in the wake of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. more...
An Indonesian Economic Quickstep: Part 1 The Political System
Category: Indonesia
How Indonesia has fought back since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. more...
Thailand's Economic Crisis: Rubber Industry Feels the Squeeze
Category: Thailand
Following factory closures in the footwear and garments industries, now Thailand's rubber producers face bankruptcy. more...
Malaysia at 50: Independence Has Not Resolved Identity Issues
Category: Malaysia
After 50 years of independence, Malaysia has still not worked out important identity issues and is now struggling with the rise of blogging and desire for free speech. more...
Myanmar Solves Malacca Dilemma: Burma Is Now China's Main Ally in Southeast Asia
Category: Burma
What are the main reasons that Burma (Myanmar) has become China's main ally in Southeast Asia and more...
Demand for Palm Oil in Indonesia: IS There a Link with Dispossession of Peasants in Kalimantan?
Category: Indonesia
Indonesia is becoming greener and spies palm oil as a valuable future export product. Yet there are accusations of dispossession of peasants in western Kalimantan. more...
Bakun Dam: Malaysia's Troubled Hydroelectric Power Project
Category: Malaysia
If the Bakun Dam is built, 10,000 indigenous people will be forcibly resettled. Is the economic basis on which the dam is to be built really justified? more...
Khmer Rouge Trials Begin: Kang Kek Ieu First in the Dock for Crimes against Humanity
Category: Cambodia
After two decades, the trials of Khmer Rouge leaders for crimes against humanity are finally to begin. The first to be charged is Kang Kek Ieu, head of infamous S21 Jail. more...
Post Coup Thai Politics: Who Will Win the Election If It Is Held?
Category: Thailand
What has happened to Thai politics since the military coup of September 19th, 2006? Will there be democratic elections and, if so, who will win? more...
Climate Change in Southeast Asia 2: The Impact on Energy Production
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
What will be the impact on energy production in Southeast Asia of global climate change? more...
Category: Chinese History (general)
An introduction to the Chin Dynasty, China's third, which was ruled by Shih Huang-ti, the first emperor of China from 221-206 BCE. more...
A Minimum Wage for Malaysia: Is Malaysian Government Aiming to Suppress Wages?
Category: Malaysia
Labour activists are campaigning for a national minimum wage in Malaysia where salaries are far out of touch with cost of living. Here are the issues. more...
Limited Democracy for Burma: Secretive Junta Plans Guided Elections to Wrongfoot Opposition
Category: Burma
The Burmese military junta is planning limited democracy elections - mostly to try to marginalise pro-democracy opposition figures. How will it work? more...
Vang Pao's Would-Be Coup: Hmong General Aimed to Kill Thousands and Topple Government
Category: Laos
How did ex-general Vang Pao aim to overthrow the government of Laos an how was he thwarted - and why. more...
Technology and Development: How Entrepreneurs Can Use New Technology to Promote Development
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
New technology aids in the creative destruction of capitalist progress but only when people are empowered to use it in entrepreneurial ways. more...
The Precarious Baht: Why Is Thailand's Currency So Strong and What Does It Mean?
Category: Thailand
Analysis of why the Thai baht and stock exchange figures remain so high when government policies are so poor and discussions of the implications of this. more...
Shang: The First Dynasty of China
Category: Chinese History (general)
Analysing the nature of the magic and sexual freedom of China's first recognised dynasty. more...
The Partition of Bengal: Divide and Rule in the British Empire
Category: South Asian History
Why did Lord Curzon want to partition Bengal at the beginning of the twentieth century and what happened next? more...
Women's Status in Southeast Asia: How Women Have Fared in History
Category: East Asian History
An introduction to the status and role of women in Southeast Asia through history. more...
The Dream of Red Mansions: The Greatest Work of Chinese Literature
Category: Chinese History (general)
Cao Xueqin's epic novel The Dream of Red Mansions is the greatest and most influential work of literature in the history of China. more...
Dakini: Sensual Dancers of Divinity
Category: SE Asian History (general)
Dakinis are depicted as naked, beautfiul goddesses flying gracefully through the sky. What is their purpose and their real nature? more...
Krishna's Dialogue of the Soul: The Wisdom of the Bhagavad-Gita
Category: Indian History
An appreciation of the Bhagavad-Gita, concerning Krishna's Dialogue of the Soul, as it appears in the Mahabharata. more...
Western Xia: Caravaneers, Cattle-Breeders and Empire-Builders
Category: East Asian History
The history and people of the Western Xia, a state created by fierce Tanguts one thousand years ago. more...
Bengal: An Introdcution to the Land of Bengal
Category: Indian History
Bengal is the ancient land that is now Bangladesh. This article looks at its history and people. more...
Manila: From Small Muslim Trading Settlement to Major Metropolis
Category: East Asian History
A history of one of the great cities of Southeast Asia and what makes it such a unique place. more...
Nicola di Conti of Venice: Lascivious Enhancements in Medieval Burma
Category: East Asian History
The Venetian traveller Nicola di Conti was surprised to find that Burmese women expected their men to enhance their members with metal rings - to satisfy them better. more...
The 1930s Depression in China: The Impact of the Crash on the Southwest of China
Category: Chinese History (general)
The economic depression of the 1930s had a terrible impact on the western world - but did it also have the same impact in China? more...
Dancers of Medieval Japan: The Respected Prostitute Entertainers of Kamakura
Category: Japanese History
Women entertainers in Medieval Japan had a respected and established role and status in society. They could choose to sell sexual relationships with customers. more...
The Revolt of An Lushan: How Close to Disaster Did the Tang Dynasty Come?
Category: Chinese History (general)
History sometimes seems to be an inevitable process - but it was not. There were many occasions when a major change could have happened but was diverted by chance. more...
The Ghurid Sultanate, 1009-1215: A Medieval Afghan State between Herat and Helmand
Category: South Asian History
The history of the Ghurid Sultanate, their liberation from the Ghaznavid Dynasty and eventual defeat by the Khwarizm Shah. more...
Imperial Delights: Did Colonization by the Japanese Bring Economic Benefits?
Category: East Asian History
What is the reality behind the claim that the colonization of East Asian countries during the Second World War by Japan bring about subsequent economic growth? more...
Shinto: The Unifying Force in Japanese Society
Category: Japanese History
Shinto is the ancient animist tradition that held together the various tribes (uji) of Japan. What beliefs are there in Shinto? more...
Nguyen An: The Vietnamese Eunuch Architect Who Rebuilt Beijing
Category: East Asian History
Nguyen An was taken as tribute from Vietnam to China and became a eunuch in service to the Chinese emperor. He achieved a successful career as an architect. more...
The Panthay Rebellion: The Hui and Yunnnanese Revolt from 1856-73
Category: Chinese History (general)
The Muslim Hui people of Yunnan suffered from years of abuse and then were subject to a massacre. They launched a revolt which created the independent state of Pingnan. more...
The Life of the Buddha: How Prince Gotama Became Enlightened
Category: South Asian History
Thel ife of the historical Buddha and how Buddhists remember the Enlightened One. more...
Marriage in Ancient India: The Role and Status of Women and the Brahman Caste
Category: Indian History
Traditions, privilege and expectations in India from 200 BC. more...
Women's Status in Medieval China: The Role and Position of Women in China
Category: Chinese History (general)
What was the status of women in Medieval China? Is it possible that footbinding was considered a desirable form of status by women themselves? more...
Early Nepal: The Ancient History of the Land beneath the Himalayas
Category: South Asian History
The ancient history of Nepal is not well-known. Was it influenced only by India and China or did it have its own culture? Who are the Newar people? more...
Women's Status in Medieval Japan: Female Marriage and Labour in Japan's 14th-17th Centuries
Category: Japanese History
What status did women have in Medieval Japan? How did this change during the three centuries between ancient and modern periods and what gender laws were in place? more...
Chinese Cricket Fighting: The Origin, Song, Stance, and Odds of Insect Warriors
Category: Chinese History (general)
How cricket fighting has entertained Chinese for many centuries - and how to tell whether your cricket will be a champion. more...
The Sex Life of Chairman Mao: How and Why He Slept with So Many Virgin Girls
Category: Modern Chinese Dynasties
Chairman Mao Zedong had a long and varied sex life, both with his several wives and the many young girls procured for his longevity. more...
Aristocracy in the Tang Dynasty: Class Conflict in Chinese Society
Category: Tang Dynasty
What was the role of the aristocracy in the Tang dynasty? How did they live? more...
The Ho Chi Minh Enigma: Mysteries Surround Vietnam's Great Freedom Fighter
Category: SE Asian History (general)
Why do we know so litle about the life of Ho Chi Minh? more...
The Chinese in Southeast Asia: Generations Migrate for a Better Life
Category: SE Asian History (general)
An introduction to the many hundreds of thousands of brave Chinese who travelled overseas in search of a better life. more...
The Jurchen: A Manchu People from the Eastern Steppe
Category: Sung Dynasty
The Jurchen (or Jin) were a powerful steppe people who know are little known. Who were they? more...
The Impact of the Steppe Peoples: How Central Asian Nomads Have Changed the World
Category: Chinese History (general)
From the Cimmerians to the Manchus, the nomadic horse riders from the Asian Steppes have swooped down on the sedentary peoples of Europe and China. What impacts from this more...
Tibet at the Start of the C20th: From the Great Game to Colonisation
Category: Chinese History (general)
Continuing the series on Tibetan history with an article on the early twentieth century. more...
Migrant Workers: The Voluntary and Involuntary Movement of People
Category: SE Asian History (general)
Why have people moved from one country to another? How have their lives changed as a result? more...
Creation of the Thai Working Class: Class Structure In Siam and Thailand
Category: SE Asian History (general)
How was the Thai working class created and what are the implications of this? more...
Royal Consecration: Becoming a King in Ancient India
Category: SE Asian History (general)
The process of consecrating a new king in ancient India required numerous religious and political rituals - while for the people it represented a chance for a holiday. more...
Rubber Plantations of Cambodia: The economic transformation of a nation
Category: East Asian History
How the French empire's use of capitalism continues to blight the lives of Cambodian workers today. more...
Kali's Killers: The Truth about the Thugs
Category: Indian History
Reviled as devilish stranglers, the Thugs were in truth brigands suppressed by the British Empire. more...
Eating Habits in Ancient India: What Did People Eat in Ancient India?
Category: Indian History
Rice, wheat, barley and barbecued animals flavoured with spices and fruit formed the basis of the cuisine of rich Indians of the past. What else did they eat and why? more...
Ming: The Restoration of Chinese Rule
Category: Chinese History (general)
The Mongol Yuan Dynasty was a disaster for the Chinese people. Eventually they rebelled and established a new dynasty of their own. more...
The Caste System in Ancient India: Brahmans, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras
Category: Indian History
How did the caste system start in ancient India and what were the purposes of the different castes? more...
Surviving Herpes Zoster in Bangkok: Skin Inflammations Can Be Worrying - But Do Not Despair
Category: Thailand Travel
Living in a foreign city and suffering from a sudden outbreak of herpse zoster (shingles)? Here is what to expect and how to deal with it. more...
Khun Sa Is Dead: Warlord, Heroin Smuggler, Once America's Most Wanted
Category: Burma
The death of Khun Sa has been announced - what was his career and who benefits from his death now? more...
Restaurants in Song Dynasty China: Food Fit for Emperors
Category: Chinese History (general)
Restaurants available in Song Dynasty China were enormous and enormously varied. Yet the food itself was very similar to what is available today. more...
Mongolia in Transition: Problems Stalk the Herders Who Once Were Emperors
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
Since the collapse of Soviet Communism, former client state Mongolia has suffered from economic hardship. What is the situation now? more...
Thai Politics Update: Junta Henchmen Fall Out?
Category: Thailand
Divisions among the Thai military junta are emerging. Is this a response to the threat of future jail sentences? Is it to prevent an election? Rumour says so. more...
The Dutch Empire: The Establishment of the Netherlands Indies
Category: East Asian History
How did the establishment of the Dutch Empire in Indonesia take place and what were its results? more...
Nguyen Trai: Mistreated Hero of Vietnam
Category: East Asian History
The life and times of Nguyen Trai, hero of the Vietnamese people, poet, soldier and diplomat. more...
Resisting Sanctions in Burma: Freedom for Burma Hampered by Commercial Interests
Category: Burma
Why there are unlikely to be meaningful sanctions brought against the Burmese junta by important trade and investment partners. more...
Khun Sa: Druglord, Warlord, Criminal Mastermind
Category: East Asian History
The life and times of the Shan-Chinese drug lord criminal mastermind Khun Sa are placed in context. more...
Factory Life in Northern Thailand: Migrant Women in the Manufacturing Industry
Category: Thailand
What is it like to work in a factory in the north of Thailand and live in a nearby dormitory? more...
Than Shwe: Repressive Paranoid Leader of the Burmese Junta
Category: Burma
Who is the leader of the vicious Burmese military regime and how has he reached his position? more...
Earliest Tibet: What Was the Origin of King Dri Gum Btsanpo?
Category: East Asian History
Evidence suggests that the earliest Tibetans were nomads who eventually settled the mountainous plateau. What do Tibetans believe about their own history? more...
Life in the Royal Harem: The Women of Ancient India's Kings
Category: Indian History
What was life like for the wives and concubines who lived in the royal harems of ancient India? more...
Pridi: The Revolutionary Leader of Thailand
Category: East Asian History
The life and times of Dr Pridi Banomyong, one of the greatest and wrongly-maligned political leaders of Thailand. more...
Gaozong: Third Emperor of the Tang Dynasty
Category: Chinese History (general)
The life and reign of the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty - and the consort who was to become China's only female emperor. more...
Bangkok Street Vendors: A New Generation of Business-Savvy Entrepreneurs
Category: Thailand
Bangkok's many thousands of street vendors are not just basic, poorly-paid noodle-sellers. There are some smart entrepreneurs too. more...
India's Look East Policy: A Balance between East and West
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
India is looking east to balance its connections with the west. What are its objectives in doing so and what are the likely results? more...
The Fruits of Cambodian Growth: Winners and Losers in a Newly Capitalist Society
Category: Cambodia
Economic growth in Cambodia has been notable in recent years, but there are suggestions that thefruits of growth are inequitably distributed. Should we care? more...
The Third Force: Pae Pandin in Thai Politics
Category: Thailand
A third large party has emerged to fight the forthcoming Thai general election. Who are they and what do they stad for? more...
Category: Vietnam
Hanoi has been the capital city for nearly one thousand years. Now it is on the long path to becoming a world-class city. more...
Gaozu: The First Emperor of the Tang Dynasty
Category: Chinese History (general)
Emperor Gaozu established the Tang Dynasty in 618 and ruled for eight years before being ousted by his ambitious second son. more...
Majority Live in Cities: New Figures Show Urban Populations Exceed Rural
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
New research from the World Bank predicts substantial increases in global populations and the increasing importance of urbanization. What are the implications of this? more...
Sui: China's Short-lived Fifth Dynasty
Category: Chinese History (general)
The Sui Dynasty reunified China and helped to rebuild the country, paving the way for the glory of the Tang Dynasty. more...
Terrorism in the Philippines: Will a Link Between Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah Spark Civil War?
Category: Philippines
The Philippines military forces are fighting extremists in the southern islands - but will their efforts lead to a wider civil war? more...
An Indonesian Economic Quickstep 2: The Role of the IMF
Category: Indonesia
The role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Indonesia's recovery from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. more...
Greater Mekong Infrastructure: Improved Transportation Enhances Migration, Human Trafficking
Category: Laos
Improvements in transportation links in the Greater Mekong Region, especially in Laos, have enhanced opportunities for labour migration and for human trafficking. more...
The Chinese Domination of Tibet: Economic Colonization Trumps Political
Category: China
China has long sought to dominate Tibet and now is using economic rather than political colonization. more...
Human Rights for ASEAN: Will a New Organization Really Have Teeth?
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is proposing to create a new transnational human rights organization. Can it really work? more...
Will the Eco-Car Fly?: Thailand's New Green Car Project Aimed at Boosting Ecoonmy
Category: Thailand
Thailand's new eco-car project is aimed at ancouraging foreign automobile manufacturers to invest in the country. So far, only Honda has taken advantage. more...
Vietnam the Magnet for Investment: Automobile Manufacturing Identified as Pillar of the Economy
Category: Vietnam
The Vietnamese economy flourishes with US$10 billion of inward foreign investment - and much of that is dedicated to manuafacturing automobiles. more...
Breastfeeding in the Philippines: The Struggle against the Milk Powder Companies
Category: Philippines
Only 16% of mothers in the Philippines breastfeed their babies, despite the health benefits of doing so. Why is this and will it change? more...
Category: Chinese History (general)
Liu Pang founded the Han Dynasty, which succeeded the Chin. The achievements of the Han Dynasty were many, not least in the promotion of social mobility. more...
Climate Change in Southeast Asia 3: A Role for Nuclear Energy?
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
Will the impact of global climate change on Southeast Asia encourage governments to turn to nuclear energy? more...
Climate Change in Southeast Asia 1: The Impact of Global Warming
Category: E Asian Affairs (general)
What will be the impact of climate change on Southeast Asia? more...
Burmese Oil Excites China, India: Natural Gas and Oil Make Burma a More Appealing Friend
Category: Burma
What is the impact of the discovery of oil and gas in Burma on international relationships with China and India? more...
Cambodia's Oil: Resources Located in Diputed Territory in the Gulf of Thailand
Category: Cambodia
Who owns the oil and gas to be found in the Gulf of Thailand? Both Cambodia and Thailand claim territory and talks are dragging. more...
The Yurt: THe Splendid Tents of the Mongols
Category: SE Asian History (general)
Life is hard on the Steppes - it takes a good tent to keep the family safe, warm and dry. Read about the Mongolian yurt, the tent that does exactly that. more...
Category: Chinese History (general)
The Chou Dynasty succeeded the Shang Dynasty as the Age of Reason succeeded the Age of Magic. more...
Australia Storms Back: Third Time Lucky for Socceroos as Thais Are Beaten 4-0
Category: International Soccer
It wasn't supposed to be so difficult for Australia in the 2007 Asia Cup - but finally the socceroos put in a decent performance to qualify for the quarter finals. more...
Labour Migration: 13 Million Southeast Asians Work Overseas
Category: S Asian/Chinese Affairs (general)
Why do 13 million Southeast Asians work overseas and what is their impact of their migration? more...
Mythical Origins of China: Earliest People Fought With Sky Gods
Category: Chinese History (general)
The mythical origins of China reveal people who fought with the gods from the sky who lost the power of immortality and flew in iron ships. What else do we know? more...
Modern Nepal: The Domination of the Gurkhas
Category: South Asian History
Modern Nepal was dominated for more than two centuries by the Shah Dynasty of the Gukrhas - yet their kings struggled to create a developed and strong state. more...
The Japanese Village in Ayutthaya: Overseas Japanese in the Seventeenth Century
Category: Japanese History
An introduction to the Japanese village in Ayutthaya and the nature of life in Siam. more...
The Kirghiz: A Scandinavian State on the Borders of China
Category: East Asian History
The Kirghiz were a Scandinavian forest-dwelling people who emerged to defeat the Uighurs and establish their own state. This is their story. more...
Singapore in World War One: The 1915 Indian Mutiny
Category: East Asian History
In 1915, Indian Muslim troops on Singapore mutinied, killing their officers and British civilians. Why did they do this and what happened next? more...
Early Trade and the Malay Peninsul: How Commercial Effects Led to the Formation of Modern States
Category: East Asian History
The Malayan peninsula had three main advantages that enabled it to become part of the global trading system for more than a thousand years. more...
The Terracotta Army: Shihuangdi's Amazing Legacy
Category: Chinese History (general)
The creation of the Terracotta Army, one of the most astonishing tourist attractions in the world, is examined and assessed. more...
Pregnancy in Ancient India: Protecting Mother and Baby until Childbirth
Category: Indian History
How did the Ancient Indians keep their women safe during the perilous months of pregnancy and after childbirth? more...
All Men Are My Children: The Mighty Indian Emperor Asoka
Category: Indian History
The life and importance of the Emperor Asoka, who helped create Buddhism as a faith of international standing. more...
Southwards Chinese Expansion: Attempted Imperial Aggrandisement in the Qing Dynasty
Category: Chinese History (general)
It is commonly said that China has made no attempt to exapnd its territory for many centuries - commonly said but incorrect. The Qing Dynasty saw a number of attempts. more...
Cannibals in the South Seas: How Cannibalism Was Practised in Sumatra and the Islands
Category: East Asian History
Cannibalism continued until the early twentieth century in parts of Indonesia. In Sumatra, Malacca and elsewhere, religion, punishment and hunger led people to eat others more...
Where Was Genghis Khan Buried?: The Mysterious Resting Place of the World's Greatest Conqueror
Category: SE Asian History (general)
Genghis Khan was the world's greatest conqueror. Yet his resting place remains undiscovered, despite numerous attempts to find it. Why was there such a mystery? more...
Chaturangbala: The Four-Limbed Armies of Ancient India
Category: Indian History
Following the Aryan Invasions, ancient Indian armies were composed of the four limbs: chariots; elephants; cavalry and infantry. more...
Women's Status in Medieval Vietnam: Opportunities for Women in Annam and Champa
Category: East Asian History
Women in southern Vietnam have historically had more opportunities and freedoms than those in Chinese-dominated northern Vietnam. more...
The Aryan Invasions: Reality or Myth
Category: Indian History
The Aryan peoples swept down on India like a wolf on the fold, sweeping away all opposition with their powerful and swift chariots. Or did they? more...
What Did Genghis Khan Eat?: The Cuisine of the Mongol Conquerors
Category: SE Asian History (general)
Kublai Khan famously said that meat was suitable for men and vegetables for animals. Yet he himself enjoyed vegetable crepes. What else did the Mongols eat? more...
The Green Revolution: How Science Saved Millions from Starving
Category: SE Asian History (general)
For centuries, millions of Asian farmers and their families suffered the threat of starvation. Scientists joined to create the Green Revolution to help end this threat. more...
Ambedkar - Leader of Untouchables: How one man stood up for the rights of India's lowest caste
Category: Indian History
Ambedkar represented the Harijans in the negotiations with Gandhi at the independence of India. This is the story of his life. more...
The Sogdians: The Traders of the Chinese and Mongol Empires
Category: East Asian History
An introduction to a largely-forgotten people, the Sogdians, who established trading posts from Merv to Korea and who administered empires. more...
Homo Floresiensis: An Update on the Hobbits of Flores Island
Category: East Asian History
Discoveries of bones showing one metre high proto-humans in Indonesia known informally as 'Hobbits' is due to restart. What are the prospects? more...
The Golden Horde, c.1225-1502: The Mongol Empire in Russia and Central Asia
Category: SE Asian History (general)
The Golden Horde brought domination of Central Asia and Russia and the Islamicisation of its people. What was this state and how did the Black Death cause its demise? more...
The 2/28 Massacre: Thousands Massacred in Taiwan in 1947 - But Why?
Category: East Asian History
Who ordered the deaths of 18-28,000 civilians in Taiwan and why did this happen? more...
Historical Phuket Thailand: The Island Colonialization and Tin Industry = Multicultural Travel
Category: East Asian History
How one of the world's most well-known Thai tourist destinations became the colourful multicultural vacation destination it is today. more...
The Ghaznavid Dynasty 977-1186: Nomads and Turks in Medieval Afghanistan, Iran and India
Category: South Asian History
An introduction to the Ghaznavid Dynasty and its greatest rulers, Sebuktigin and Mahmud. more...
