Understanding Southeast Asia 3: Relations Among Maritime Nations.
This is the final part, following Parts 1 and 2, about Southeast Asia. As we have seen, Southeast Asia can be divided into continental and maritime regions, which have influenced each other significantly. However, these two regions differ greatly in their backgrounds and characteristics.
The continental region, comprising Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, is characterized by direct land borders among these nations, leading to frequent wars. In contrast, the maritime region includes island nations like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, East Timor, Brunei, and the Philippines, where the sea acts as a formidable barrier. This region boasts over 20,000 islands, naturally resulting in fewer wars compared to the continental region. While the continental region shares a common Buddhist culture, the maritime region has a mix of Buddhism, Catholicism, and Islam, potentially leading to greater religious conflicts.