During the course of our studies here, we’re often still taught the main theories of Western political thought. This article strives to present a wider set of views on political theory by giving a brief overview of one of the strands of Chinese political thought: Confucianism. Karl-Johan Petersen, Contributor, The Read more…
How can we deal with countries’ colonial pasts and the impacts these histories have had on individuals? Following a panel discussion in May, a very brief summary and reflection based on this question is presented below. Decolonizing Leiden University? A Reflection Sebastian Sirotin, Publication Manager, and Alessandra Barrow, SSEA Com Read more…
Were you at SSEA and Culinary Committee’s workshop but can’t remember the recipes? Or do you want to impress your parents with all the food you’ve learned how to cook? Samudra’s got you covered! Ruana Tahitu, Contributor, The Netherlands Tempeh Sambal Goreng Reicpe Serving: approx. 4 people Ingredients: 1 block Read more…
Despite the somewhat problematic Orientalist nature of Princess Jasmine, she was still important due the fact that she was a non-white princess and provided much needed representation. Gurjinder Khambay, Contributor A Hero I Needed The release of the new live action Aladdin has had everyone talking and so many people Read more…
Forget Brexit and the EU parliamentary elections, South and Southeast Asia are having three HUGE general elections with the potential to radically direct the region’s, and yes the world’s, politics for the foreseeable future. So without further ado, here are the ‘‘things you should know’ about the first of these Read more…
Burning Garbage: Anarchy in Indonesia A little pile of garbage. A lazy flame, slowly burning at the street side. A penetrating smell and lots of smoke. A very common scene in various countries around the world. How is it possible that even in major cities of rapidly developing countries, people Read more…
Indonesian culture is heavily influenced by the many traditional rituals, traditions, and beliefs that originate from the archipelago. Despite this, many forms of spirituality have come under heavy pressure after Indonesia became independent. How is it possible that Indonesia is suppressing its homegrown beliefs? Koen de Hek, Contributor Ceremony of Read more…
Sebastian Sirotin, Publication Director, The Hague, Netherlands What happens when the ‘World’s Largest Democracy’ meets ‘Europe’s last dictatorship’? Image credits hyperlinked to image One day, I was scrolling through Google Images, as one does, when I happened upon a picture of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, smiling and Read more…
A specter is haunting Indonesia … After the events of 1965-6, progressive politics almost disappeared from Indonesia. Today, in a country with extreme and growing inequalities, people are increasingly concerned with the results of wild, unregulated capitalism. The current political scene does not seem to offer any valid alternatives. An Read more…
Since independence, the People’s Action Party (PAP) has won every election by a landslide. Nonetheless, Singaporeans place significant importance on their elections. What do Singaporeans get out of an election whose results never seem to change? Suraendher Kumarr, Contributor, The Netherlands The three presidential hopefuls (from L-R): Farid Khan, Salleh Read more…