Journal of Asian - African Studies

Colonialism and its consequences for economic development in Africa

NGUYỄN LÊ THY THƯƠNG — 2026-01-26

This article focuses on clarifying the origins, characteristics, and development process of colonialism in Africa, while also analyzing the socio-economic consequences that this legacy has left for countries in their post-independence periods. The development of colonialism is characterized by three main features: its diversity, pervasiveness, and persistence, affecting all aspects of African life, from territorial divisions and political institutions to single-sector economic structures. As a result, post-independence African nations still face economic dependence, political instability, and challenges in their modernization efforts. The article concludes that, to achieve sustainable development, Africa needs to gradually overcome its colonial legacy, build a self-reliant economy, and establish an independent development order.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement: Context, content and impacts

NGUYỄN NGỌC HÙNG — 2026-01-26

On September 17^th, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, marking a critical milestone in strengthening relations between the two countries. The event has attracted significant international attention because it not only demonstrates a trend of nations seeking new security assurances amid unpredictable shifts in the global and regional landscape, but it could also reshape the security architecture in South Asia and the Middle East. The paper analyzes the Pakistan - Saudi Arabia agreement from the perspectives of its context, motivation, content, and its impacts on international relations. The paper points out that, the agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reflects the trend of seeking new security guarantees through strengthening military power and collective defense, including the use of nuclear deterrence, which is likely to lead to changes in the security environment of South Asia and the Middle East.

Characteristics of India’s local governance model after The Constitutional Amendments in 1992

LÊ THỊ HẰNG NGA — 2026-01-26

Local governance plays an important role in ensuring effective state management and promoting grassroots democracy. In India, since independence in 1947, the political system has shifted towards building a modern local government system. In 1992, India adopted the 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendments thereby establishing a three-tier local governance model in rural and urban areas. Based on the synthesis and analysis of secondary sources, this paper analyzes some notable features of the Indian local governance model from 1992 to date. The paper asserts that the Indian local governance model has the following notable features: strong legal and institutional base; variations among states; and dependence of financial and human resources on the higher levels of government.

Development of solar energy in Pakistan: Current status and prospects to 2030

NGUYỄN VĂN LINH — 2026-01-26

In the context of a global shift toward renewable energy to address climate change and ensure energy security, Pakistan has emerged as one of the South Asian countries with great potential for solar energy development. This paper analyzes the background, current situation, and challenges of solar energy development in Pakistan, while also forecasting prospects through 2030. The findings indicate that Pakistan is gradually transforming its energy structure toward a greener and more sustainable model, based on its abundant solar resources, the government’s strategic direction and policies, and the growing demand for energy among its population. Pakistan has become one of the fastest-growing countries in terms of total installed solar energy capacity worldwide and is aiming to achieve 30% of its total energy mix and 60% of its power generation capacity from renewable sources, primarily solar energy, by 2030.

B.R. Ambedkar: From the struggle against the caste system to the Buddhist revivalist movement in 20th-century India

VŨ TRỌNG HÙNG — 2026-01-26

Through a historical approach and secondary documents analysis, the paper shows that, B.R. Ambedkar was one of the famous social reformers of India in the 20th century and made many great contributions to the struggle against caste discrimination and the building of a new society of equality between classes and castes. On the journey of fighting against caste discrimination, B.R. Ambedkar found in Buddhism the teachings that were suitable for his goals, so he abandoned Hinduism, followed Buddhism and became a true missionary, contributing to the revival of Buddhism its homeland after a long period of oblivion. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to the fight against caste discrimination, the Buddhist revival movement have made him one of the great Indian personalities.

Thailand Buddhism from traditional to modernity: The role of Buddhist Sangha in social reforms under Rama IV and Rama V

PHẠM QUỐC TRUNG, LƯU HOÀNG LÊ THẢO — 2026-01-26

The paper analyzes the role of the Buddhist Sangha in the process of social reform and modernization of Thailand under Rama IV and Rama V. Facing Western colonial pressure, Buddhism was not only the subject of reform but also became an important social instrument that reinforced royal authority and safeguarded national identity. Rama IV, with 27 years of monastic life, founded the Dhammayutika Nikaya to standardize the Vinaya, enhance scholarship, and eliminate superstition, thereby shaping a disciplined Sangha capable of adapting to reform requirements. Building on this foundation, Rama V promulgated the Sangha Act of 1902, placing the Sangha under state administration, developing Buddhist education, and promoting the use of Thai and Pali scripts, which contributed to raising public literacy. As a result, the Sangha both preserved traditional values and accompanied the state in social reforms, becoming a soft power force that supported modernization and the defense of national independence.

Japanese cultural features in Kabuki art

NGUYỄN XUÂN QUỲNH — 2026-01-26

Japanese culture has both the common characteristics of Northeast Asian culture and at the same time retains its own distinctive features. When discussing Japanese culture, it is essential to mention its theatrical arts - particularly Kabuki - a traditional theater form, widely known in the world. Born in the early 17th century and was considered an art form for the urban class - the lower section of the society, till date, Kabuki has had an important position in the overall culture of Japan. By using historical research methods, the paper shows that, Japanese cultural features are reflected in this theatre art form, which are the receptivity and transformation of external elements, secularism and reverence for authority, making Kabuki one of the cultural symbols of this country.