Assoc. Prof. Paul J. Carnegie recently published a paper in the renowned journal, Pacific Affairs on Contours of Precarity in Southeast Asia.

Drawing on observations over several years, combined with a review of relevant literature and the use of illustrative examples, the paper details how and why the concept of precarity is particularly useful for understanding contemporary forms of jeopardy in Southeast Asia. This conceptual shift is arguably crucial for understanding and mitigating vulnerabilities. Rather than relying on limited frames of reference, a grounded and disaggregated precarity perspective can bring greater awareness to localized distress stemming from untrammelled accumulation, extractive activities, speculative development, and indebtedness and help decipher the less acknowledged forces and interests shaping circumstances we seek to prevent.

Carnegie, P. J. (2025). Contours of Precarity: A Perspective on Vulnerability and Insecurity in Southeast Asia. Pacific Affairs, 98(1): 5-22.