Title: New Patterns of Opposition Politics in Southeast AsiaSubmitted by: Kit Collier, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Political and Social Change, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National UniversityFocusing on radical or "contentious" opposition, this paper explores the implications of the decline of orthodox Marxism-Leninism as an ideological and programmatic compass in the region. Do the waning of authoritarian rule, extension of civil society and growing social differentiation signal the end of radical opposition? Can democratization, human rights or opposition to "corruption, cronyism and nepotism" form the basis for a new progressive politics, or do these discourses further the global capitalist project? Do NGOs provide a vehicle for deepened democratic participation and link local and international civil society, or do they extend the capacity of ruling elites and co-opt resistance? How can particularistic forms of identity politics be woven into a more inclusive paradigm? These questions are pursued, with particular reference to the Philippines, in search of possible elements of an emancipatory politics for the new century. Return to Abstracts menuCarol Burnett Phone: 61 - 3 - 9349 1899 Email: c.burnett@asialink.unimelb.edu.au
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