From its early narrow focus upon the state, the study of governance in modern Asian societies has increasingly expanded to include non-state actors, networks and institutions. Colonial historians, for instance, have drawn attention to the continued importance of precolonial power brokers under European dispensations, as well as the merchants, mercenaries and local informants who helped sustain these. Likewise the authority of postcolonial nation states has been, and continues to be, mediated by the actions of a wide array of actors within civil society, from religious leaders, to media outlets and various NGOs. Together with formal states, these actors have helped shape Asian cultures of governance.

Focusing upon the interactions between state and non-state actors in colonial and postcolonial societies, this conference seeks to explore the modern history of governance in South- and South East Asia. For more information regarding abstracts, deadlines and specific subjects see here.

Indrani Chatterjee, University of Texas at Austin

Robert Cribb, Department of Political and Social Change, Australian National University

Farish Ahmad-Noor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore   

For all other enquiries, please contact Maarten Manse, Girija Joshi or Sander Tetteroo at relocatinggovernance2020@hum.leidenuniv.nl