ASEAN+3 energy resilience shaped by colonial legacies and global market dependencies
Original framing: “Building the energy resilience ASEAN+3 needs” — The Japan Times
Scientific research supports the feasibility of decentralized renewable energy systems in Southeast Asia, particularly solar and micro-hydro, which can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhance local energy security.
ASEAN+3 energy resilience is not merely a technical or economic issue but a deeply systemic challenge shaped by colonial legacies, global market dependencies, and the marginalization of Indigenous and local communities.
A holistic approach must integrate scientific evidence, cross-cultural models, and future scenario planning to build equitable and sustainable energy systems. By learning from Nordic and African examples, ASEAN+3 can move beyond extractive models toward decentralized, community-led solutions that align with ecological and cultural values. This transition requires not only policy reform but also a reimagining of energy governance that centers marginalized voices and traditional knowledge.