Author

Robin Vochelet

Robin Vochelet is in his fourth and final year at McGill University, currently pursuing a B.A. Honours in International Development Studies with a minor in Political Science. He has a particular interest in Chinese history and the politics of democracy in East and Southeast Asia. In his free time, Robin is often seen visiting cute cafés around Montreal, or surfing Wikipedia.

What Democracy For Myanmar?

Robin Vochelet Mar 1, 2021

Social media has been an essential, privileged tool for Burmese grassroots activism in the wake of the coup. In the moments following Aung San Suu Kyi’s deposition from power, Burmese people took to social media platforms, mainly Facebook,…
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Voices from the Margin: Punjabi Farmers and Modi’s Farms Bills

Robin Vochelet Dec 27, 2020

Since late October, farmers have organized peaceful sit-ins along the roads from Haryana to the Indian capital, eventually blocking the main highway into northern Delhi to protest these new laws. The movement quickly garnered support…
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The Paradox of Universal Housing in Singapore

Robin Vochelet Dec 11, 2020

While the Universal Housing Policy is undoubtedly one of the city’s biggest social policy achievements, the current health crisis shows that outstanding social policy does not necessarily prepare for a global pandemic. Singapore, like the…
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Children of the Bad Revolution: Thailand and the Call for Democracy

Robin Vochelet Oct 25, 2020

The Free Youth Movement breathed new life into the protests on July 18, 2020, with a massive street demonstration spearheaded by the Student Union of Thailand. Adding to the general sense of fatigue from anti-democratic practices,…
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Para Sa Pinas: Freedom of Speech Amid the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Act

Robin Vochelet Aug 30, 2020

Duterte has showcased his intentions to further restrict civil liberties and individual freedoms in a country that was once considered the pinnacle of democracy in Southeast Asia. Amid increased calls to defund military and police…
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Hong Kong: The Forgotten Revolution

Robin Vochelet Aug 6, 2020

In the context of massive protests against the extradition amendment bill, many feared that this law was yet another attempt by the Chinese government to crush dissent and put an end to a potential popular uprising, as the outlined clauses…
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#Metoo?: How Japanese Legislation and Society Are Failing Sexual Assault Victims

Robin Vochelet Jul 7, 2020

When commenting on societal backlash, Itō criticized the mainstream media for trying to dismantle her case by discussing the outfit she was wearing that day, as well as her being intoxicated. According to Itō, experiences like hers are the…
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Underground Techno Raves in Singapore: a New Political Dawn for Disaffected Youth?

Robin Vochelet Jun 14, 2020

The promotional material posted by Horizon99 on their events’ pages reads more like a political manifesto than online advertising. The use of strong anti-capitalist statements ranging from “The neoliberal ideological engine sputters on” to…
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Towards an “LGBT-Free” Poland?

Robin Vochelet Apr 22, 2020

As of February 2020, over 100 Polish municipal or local governments have proclaimed themselves to be “free from LGBTQ ideology”. It is unclear what the word ‘ideology’ used here is supposed to mean. PiS party members have used this…
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Pandemics Abroad: Immigration Policy and the Coronavirus in East Asia

Robin Vochelet Mar 12, 2020

Currently, governments in East Asia and elsewhere are still trying to determine the best course of action for dealing with the Wuhan coronavirus. It is very likely that more measures restricting immigration within the region will be…
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