Cliopatria

• Sep 18, 2007
  

  The idea of Southeast Asia

  by Cliopatria

  Southeast Asia as a distinct subject of study is a pretty recent development. Before World War II, it existed largely as a kind of 'Little China' or 'Little India' -- that is to say, an extension of the scope of Sinological (East Asian) or Indological (South Asian) studies. Even today, it's still somewhat subsumed under these putative 'parent' civilizations. Here in Cambridge, for example, the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Faculty conducts teaching and research of what they designate the 'maj
  

• Sep 18, 2007
  

  More Noted Things

  by Cliopatria

  Robert Fisk,"It is the Death of History," Independent, 17 September, assesses what the occupation of Iraq has done to its ancient historic sites. Thanks to Manan Ahmed for the tip.

  Daniel Alarcón,"Uncover What Violence Begets in ‘Art of Political Murder'," San Francisco Chronicle, 16 September, reviews Francisc

  

• Sep 18, 2007
  

  Hair Trigger

  by Cliopatria

  Two videos: A pushy minister tries to enter a Senate hearing with an anti-war button pinned to his coat, is swarmed by half a dozen police officers, taken to the floor, and arrested. An obnoxious student tries to question Sen. John Kerry at a public forum, is swarmed by half a dozen police officers, taken to the floor, and arrest
  

• Sep 17, 2007
  

  Shock Doctrine

  by Cliopatria

  This is a short promotional film by Alfonso Cuarón for Naomi Klein's new book, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism. Friends of Milton Friedman may cry foul, but it is stunningly powerful propaganda. As Dwight Gardner at Papercuts suggests, it ups the ante on what publishers may do to promote a book.