Political Dynamics of Ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia: Participation and Policy

The political and economic landscape of Southeast Asia has long been shaped by the significant contributions of ethnic Chinese communities. Historically connected through extensive networks known as the "bamboo network," these communities have played a pivotal role in the region’s political and economic development. The reengagement of China with Southeast Asia in the 1990s, followed by a strategic initiative to reconnect with these ethnic groups in the 2000s, highlighted the enduring influence of these communities on national policies and regional diplomacy. This reconnection coincided with Southeast Asia’s growing prominence on the global stage and China’s renewed influence, presenting new opportunities for academic exploration.

This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the political engagement of ethnic Chinese communities within Southeast Asia and their consequential role in shaping regional foreign policies. By examining the symbiotic relationship between these ethnic groups and their host nations, this research will explore how traditional and emerging roles of ethnic Chinese communities influence, and potentially redefine, diplomatic engagements with China and other regional powers.

In order to achieve analytical and methodological rigor, we welcome articles that incorporate a diverse range of research designs, data sources, and analytical methods. Contributions can employ both qualitative and quantitative approaches, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of these communities' political roles. In addition, we encourage authors to explicitly connect their analyses to broader themes of political engagement, participation, and democratization. This might include, but is not limited to, the following themes:
• The economic and institutional aspects of ethnic Chinese participation in politics.
• The influence of Confucian cultural values on decision-making processes.
• The strategic role of ethnic Chinese communities in crafting or influencing foreign policy directives.
• Comparative analyses of political participation across different Southeast Asian countries.
• The impact of China’s policies towards overseas Chinese communities.
• The voting patterns of ethnic Chinese minorities and their participation in elections.
• Special forms of Chinese candidate representation and patron-client networks with political elites.
• Ethnic Chinese involvement in NGOs, cultural groups, and anti-discrimination movements.

By exploring these areas, this Research Topic seeks to contribute to academic discourse while informing policy-making and enhancing international understanding of the complex political roles played by ethnic Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. Through these discussions, we aim to bring the conversation into broader debates surrounding political engagement, participation, and democratization across the region

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Ethnic Chinese Communities, Southeast Asia Foreign Policy, Bamboo Network, China-Southeast Asia Relations, Confucian Values in Politics

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.