Geopolitics Quarterly

Geopolitics Quarterly

Waterways of Integration: Historical and Contemporary Roles of Rivers in Southeast Asian Civilisation and Regionalism

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohd Firdaus Abdullah 1
Ismail Ali 2
Shaiful Shahidan 3
Azian Tahir 4
Norazilawati Abd Wahab 5
1 Centre for Research in History, Politics & International Affairs, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia.
2 Professor, History Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia.
3 Center for Research in History, Politics & International Affairs, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia.
4 Associate Professor, Fine Art Department, Faculty of Art and Design, University Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia.
5 Ph.D., Faculty of General Studies and Advanced Education, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.
10.22034/igq.2025.502213.2005
Abstract
The main rivers in Southeast Asia not only shaped civilization but also play a significant element that transcends geopolitical boundaries in that area. This article aims to examine the role of rivers in Southeast Asia in connecting communities, strengthening trade, and spreading religious beliefs such as Hindu-Buddhism and Islam, making it the core of principle for regional integration and collective identity in Asean. By using the longue durée theory, this article analyses the rivers’ roles as both physical and symbolic mediums. Findings reveal that rivers were not only used as the main routes for trading but also as channels to exchange cultures and symbols of shared identity, seen in traditions like floating markets, maritime arts, and water house communities. However, the neglect of joint management cooperation due to modern nation-state-centered approaches has affected the rivers’ potential as catalysts for regional integration. Therefore, this article emphasizes the importance of establishing a multilateral framework for river management within ASEAN, leveraging platforms such as ASEAN as mechanisms for water diplomacy to ensure ecological sustainability and equitable resource distribution.
Keywords
Southeast Asian Rivers, Regional Integration, Water Diplomacy, Civilisational Development, Longue Duré
e Approach

Subjects

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Geopolitics Quarterly
Volume 21, Issue 4
Winter 2025
Pages 253-275

  • Receive Date 01 February 2025
  • Revise Date 25 April 2025
  • Accept Date 08 June 2025