This book is an exploration of the various types of transnational politics that the Chin and Acehnese people are engaged in, particularly in the Malaysian state. As with so many migrants elsewhere in the world who try to organize themselves transnationally, the Chin and Acehnese have needed to negotiate a challenging socio-political landscape that is the Malaysian state. Here, the author illustrates that migrants don't just travel with their hopes for the future, but with grievances and identities which are rooted in their homelands. This is a book for those interested in reading an account that reflects the complexities of migrant life in the21st century - an era replete with fluid labour markets, deregulated air travel, porous borders and political leaders who move transnationally, acting as binding agents for the far-flung communities they seek to represent.

Provides an inter-disciplinary and mixed methodology approach to the subject of migrant politics and the state Explores the impact of globalisation on several consequential topics i.e. the question of state sovereignty and power, political identity and belonging in an increasingly mobile world Compares the study of two different groups the Chin and Acehnese - and their experience with the host state, Malaysia

Autorentext

Sheila Murugasu is a Senior Lecturer with the School of International Studies at the Northern University of Malaysia.

Inhalt

1. Introduction: The Host State and Migrant Transnational Politics.- 2. The Malaysian State and Irregular Migration.- 3. Transnational Politics and the Chins in Malaysia.- 4. Transnational Politics and the Acehnese in Malaysia.- 5. Intersecting Interests Between the Malaysian State and the Acehnese and the Chins.- 6. Local Level Encounters with the State: Negotiations, Survival and Order-Making.- 7. Identity and Membership: Deriving Legitimacy and Political Agency through State, Community and Transnational Identities.- Chapter 8 Conclusion.