Faculty scholars awarded ARC grants
Two Faculty scholars, Dr Marcus Mietzner, and Dr Li Narangoa with Dr Robert Cribb have been awarded Australian Research Council grants in support of their research.
Dr Marcus Mietzner
Dr Mietzner’s area of research is political party financing and democratic consolidation in Indonesia: as Australia’s vast neighbour to the north, Indonesia,is of critical importance to Australian national interests. Particularly essential in this regard is the stability of Indonesia’s young democracy, which is increasingly threatened by the widespread perception that party politics are contaminated by corrupt, greedy and self-centred politicians. This sentiment is largely fuelled by complaints about questionable fundraising practices of political parties. Accordingly,this study will be of great interest to Australian policy-makers, aid officials and businesses that wish to address the deficiencies in Indonesia’s political system through political and economic cooperation programs.
Dr Li Narangoa
Dr Li Narangoa’s and Dr Robert Cribb’s area of research is ‘Puppet States’ Revisited: Empire and Sovereign Subordination in Modern Asia: the term ‘puppet state’ is a part of public discourse in Australia. It is used by scholars, journalists, commentators and members of the public to characterize specific international relationships in the contemporary world. While being used as an analytical term, it carries a strong pejorative connotation. This project will contribute significantly to giving the term clarity and stability of meaning that will enhance the quality of public discussion of international affairs and lead to a more informed approach to safeguarding Australia. The insights we generate by this comparison will illuminate the controversial contemporary issue of international intervention in the territory of sovereign states.