For some decades now, there has been a noticeable increase in nationalism in Asia. Nationalism, understood as an exaggerated perception of the importance of one’s own nation, which produces a feeling of superiority over other nations, is generating tensions and conflicts in the entire region. There is a military build-up taking place in the South China Sea and territorial disputes are on the increase.

by Gerhard Wahlers

A Threat to Regional Stability?

The social, economic and political modernisation of East Asia and its regional and global complexity have not led to a decline in nationalism in these countries. On the contrary, nationalist sentiments and resentments have been revived over the past few years and are clearly gaining in importance for domestic and foreign policy in these countries.

by Peter Hefele, David Merkle, Janina Sturm

From „Victim Nationalism“ to Nation Branding

People familiar with Korea are generally aware of the fact that Korean nationalism can present the greatest obstacle to foreigners trying to understand what the Koreans are like. There is clearly a specifically Korean type of nationalism, which has prevailed for a long time. This becomes apparent, for instance, when one contemplates a scene from the Asian crisis at the end of the 1990s.

by Norbert Eschborn, Janine Läpple

On 28 July the Cambodian Minister of Information announced the preliminary election result: “Cambodian People’s Party (CPP): 68 seats, Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP): 55 seats, no change” came one hour after CNRP, the main opposition party, declared itself the winner of the national election, claiming 63 seats out of 120 for their own party.

by Denis Schrey, Allan Tran-Sam, Stefanie Hartwig

A Local Snapshot and a First Test of the “Pact for Mexico”

In July 2013, 14 Mexican states held elections at various levels. This latest round of elections had been eagerly anticipated as they were expected to have a significant impact on the internal politics and personnel of the both the PAN and PRD opposition parties, with potential consequences for the “Pact for Mexico” (signed by the governing and opposition parties) and for the ability of the government to successfully run the country.

by Stefan Jost

The Elections Were Successful, but the Problems Persist

The new President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, is striving for an effective stabilisation of the country and for national reconciliation in spite of simmering power struggles and opposing interests within the international community. One cannot appreciate the challenges facing the President today without knowing the circumstances in which the elections took place.

by Bakary Sambe