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Melbourne Asia Review is a research-based publication of the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne.
Edition 25, March 2026
Varieties of Indigenous knowledges in Asia
INTRODUCTION: Statelessness—A global issue with an Asian epicentre
Statelessness in Asia is driven by ethnic nationalism, displacement and restrictive citizenship regimes. But it’s neither inevitable nor irreversible.
Colonial borders and the production of statelessness in Myanmar, India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka
Statelessness in Myanmar, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is rooted in the impact of British colonialism.
Understanding the climate change-statelessness nexus in the Asia Pacific and what to do about it
Climate change is intensifying statelessness in the Asia-Pacific. But there are simple, practical steps that countries in the region can take.
Why the transfer of stateless refugees by Australia to Nauru is concerning and in breach of international law
Australia should terminate its latest arrangement Nauru, which will have real and significant consequences for stateless people.
‘Statelessness in Asia’ edited by Michelle Foster, Jaclyn Neo & Christoph Sperfeldt
This book addresses a significant research gap—that statelessness exists in contexts devoid of forced migration and prolonged refugee situations.
Edition 26, June 2026
Statelessness in Asia
How stateless Rohingya women and children are navigating vulnerability in Thailand and Malaysia
Stateless Rohingya from Myanmar in Thailand and Malaysia live in constant fear of violence, detention and other risks.
Recognition without sovereignty: Statehood and the fragmentation of Palestine
The recent wave of State recognition of Palestine allows States to claim alignment with international law but may exclude Palestinians from statelessness protection.
Invisible populations and legal blind spots: Statelessness in Indonesia
Risks of statelessness in Indonesia often arise not from everyday dealings with the state such as birth and marriage registration.
Syrian statelessness in transition: Assessing change amid civil war and regime change
Recent regime change in Syria after the civil war (2011-2024) is bringing new, sometimes controversial, changes to address statelessness.
The marriage question: How does statelessness impact marriage and family life in Pakistan?
Marriage is at the heart of life in Pakistan, but for undocumented Pakistani Bengalis it's constrained by identity requirements.
INTERVIEW: ‘I was stateless in Japan for 32 years’
Lara Tienshi Chen was stateless person in Japan for decades. She now researches and advocates for stateless people.
Foundlings at risk of statelessness in the Philippines: Progress and challenges
Deserted or abandoned children in the Philippines have citizenship rights, but there are still problems with implementation.
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The latest Ear to Asia podcasts
Ear to Asia is a podcast series published by the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, featuring researchers from Australia, Asia and beyond. Each episode explores political, cultural, and social issues across Asia and the Islamic world, offering accessible insights for academic and general audiences alike.
