The Geopolitics of Health in South and Southeast Asia: Perspectives from the Cold War to COVID-19

This book examines the complexity of South and Southeast Asia in international health, considering the impact of the Cold War on public health and development. It offers case studies from the Cold War to the present, covering countries across the region, and highlights how narrowly-conceived global health programs failed to account for local contexts. It will be a valuable contribution to the History of Medicine and Health and Political Economy of South and Southeast Asia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate complexities of South and Southeast Asia in the realm of international health, taking into account the profound impact of the Cold War's geopolitics on the development of public health and overall development in these regions. In the wake of the recent health pandemic, which has brought experts, governments, and societies worldwide together in a collective effort to combat the global health crisis, this book presents a regional perspective on global health histories. The chapters within this book offer insightful case studies spanning from the Cold War era to the present, covering countries across South and Southeast Asia. Contributors analyze various issues related to disease control, drawing connections to the broader Cold War geopolitics. They also examine the responses of regional organizations, particularly the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), to the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, the book showcases how narrowly conceived global health programs implemented by aid agencies often failed to account for the local, national, or regional contexts.

By situating health within the broader global contexts of South and Southeast Asia, this book makes a valuable contribution to the fields of History of Medicine and Health and Political Economy of South and Southeast Asia. It sheds light on the historical, political, and social factors that have shaped the health landscape of these regions, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by communities in the past and present.

Overall, this book is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in exploring the complex interplay between international health, geopolitics, and regional dynamics. It offers valuable insights into the past and present, and provides a roadmap for building more resilient and inclusive global health systems in the future.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032364537