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Abstract   The Franco-German joint history textbook, Histoire/Geschichte, represents a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation aimed at fostering mutual understanding and mitigating ethnic and national tensions between France and Germany. Initiated in the early 2000s as part of broader post–World War II reconciliation efforts, the project sought to create a shared historical narrative for secondary school students. It addressed sensitive topics such as the World Wars and periods of occupation through multiperspectival approaches. This paper examines the historical context of Franco-German hostility, the development and content of the textbook, its implementation and reception, and its broader impact on bilateral relations and the reduction of conflict. It argues that educational initiatives like this are essential in transforming adversarial memories into foundations for peace, serving as a model for other divided societies (He, 2009; Judt, 2006).   Introduction   ...

The Thai-Cambodian border conflict in 2025, centered around disputes over the Preah Vihear temple and the Emerald Triangle, has sparked significant activity on Facebook, reflecting polarized sentiments, nationalist fervor, and calls for peace. Below is an updated analysis of trends and expressions based on the latest available data as of September 23, 2025. Trends on Facebook Facebook remains a primary platform for both information dissemination and propaganda, with millions of interactions across Thai, Cambodian, and regional groups since the conflict's escalation in July 2025. Key trends include: - Surge in Nationalist Content: Posts in Cambodian groups like "Khmer Unity" and "ASEAN Watch" frequently feature anti-Thai narratives, accusing Thailand of violating the July 28 ceasefire with "drone strikes" and "tear gas attacks." Videos of Cambodian villagers protesting near border zones, often with captions like "Thailand steals our land,...

Introduction In contemporary society, ethnic identity is predominantly subjective and lacks an objective basis, as human civilization has not preserved the purity of any race globally (Barth, 1969). Human interaction has facilitated cross-cultural relations for thousands of years. This raises the question of why the concept of ethnic identity, which claims an objective perspective, remains influential in ethnic or racial relations. Despite the absence of objective racial purity, ethnic identity continues to exert a significant influence on social dynamics and personal experiences (Phinney, 1990). This persistence can be attributed to deeply ingrained cultural narratives, historical legacies, and human inclination to seek belonging within defined groups (Cornell & Hartmann, 2007). Researchers have identified factors such as socialization, political manipulation, and the need for a collective identity as contributors to the enduring influence of ethnic categorization in modern societ...

Defense Contractors Involved in the 2025 Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict The 2025 Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, centered on the disputed Preah Vihear temple area, escalated in July 2025 with artillery exchanges, airstrikes, and drone operations. Below is a compiled list of key defense contractors and suppliers whose equipment was reportedly used or highlighted in the clashes, based on available reports. I've organized it by country of supply, indicating the recipient side (Cambodia or Thailand) and examples of supplied items. This focuses on confirmed or alleged usage during the conflict, drawing from military analyses and news sources. Note that many systems are legacy acquisitions, and direct "behind-the-scenes" orchestration is not evidenced—rather, these are arms providers fueling the escalation. Chinese Contractors (Primarily to Cambodia; Some to Thailand) - China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO): Supplied multiple rocket launchers (e.g., PHL-03, PHL-90B...

Manipur, a state in Northeast India, is strategically positioned to serve as a vital gateway for Southeast Asia to India due to its unique geographical, cultural, and economic advantages. Below are the key reasons, explained concisely: 1. Geographical Proximity: Manipur shares a 398-km international border with Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation. This makes it a natural entry point for trade and connectivity with countries like Thailand, Laos, and beyond, via Myanmar. 2. Act East Policy: India’s Act East Policy aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia. Manipur’s location makes it a critical hub for implementing this policy, facilitating cross-border trade, investment, and infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. 3. Trade Potential: Manipur’s border town, Moreh, is a key trading point with Myanmar. The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh enhances trade efficiency, enabling goods from Southeast Asia to enter India and vice versa, boosting economic ti...

In the Asia-Pacific region, people-to-people connections are vibrant but face challenges that can lead to missed opportunities. Here’s a concise breakdown of what people might miss out on in fostering these connections: 1. Cultural Nuances and Diversity: The Asia-Pacific is incredibly diverse, with thousands of languages, traditions, and social norms. Misunderstandings due to cultural differences can hinder deeper relationships. For example, high-context cultures (e.g., Japan, China) rely on implicit communication, while low-context cultures (e.g., Australia) favor directness. Missing these subtleties can lead to miscommunication or superficial interactions. 2. Language Barriers: With over 2,000 languages spoken, language differences can prevent meaningful exchanges. English often serves as a bridge, but reliance on it may exclude those less fluent, limiting authentic connections, especially in rural or less globalized areas. 3. Digital Divide: While urban centers like Singapore or Seo...

Introduction Nepal faces a complex interplay of economic stagnation, political instability, and social  discontent, with youth migration emerging as both a symptom and a driver of these  challenges. Remittances from migrant workers contribute over 25% of the country’s GDP,  offering critical lifelines for households but masking deeper structural weaknesses. Despite  short-term financial benefits, reliance on migration has intensified youth frustration,  unemployment, and protests demanding accountability. Economic Dependence on Remittances Remittances have grown steadily in recent years, increasing from NPR 10.7 billion in  2021/22 to NPR 12.2 billion in 2022/23 (Nepal Ministry of Finance, 2023). While this  inflow sustains household consumption, it conceals underlying issues such as limited  domestic job creation, weak investment climates, and widespread corruption. Heavy  dependence on remittances also leaves households vulnerable to global...

Executive Summary Social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, X, and various messaging applications,  have emerged as arenas for competing narratives in the recent Thai–Cambodian border  crisis. These platforms have facilitated the dissemination of false or recycled footage,  exaggerated claims regarding casualties and troop movements, and the creation of online  "information cascades." Such dynamics have intensified nationalist sentiments, led to offline  discrimination, and exerted pressure on political actors, thereby contributing to the  persistence and escalation of tensions, even after formal ceasefires were declared. 1. Mechanisms: How Social Media Amplifies Cross-Border Tensions 1.1 Rapid Virality + Algorithmic Amplification Platform recommendation algorithms tend to prioritise highly engaging content, often  characterised by sensational or emotional elements. This preference results in the  amplification of dramatic posts and vide...