Tamara Nair | Nanyang Technological University (original) (raw)

Papers by Tamara Nair

BRILL eBooks, Nov 16, 2021

Journal of International Development, May 19, 2016

Decentralized governance and its possible shortcomings have been receiving increased attention in... more Decentralized governance and its possible shortcomings have been receiving increased attention in development discourse. However, there still remains a dearth of empirical data highlighting such pitfalls. Drawing on in-depth interviews and literature reviews, this paper explores the extent of decentralized development planning at the grassroots level. Using the state of Kerala, India as a case study, I explore how local government institutions, specifically those in areas of disadvantaged communities, might operate in a manner that questions its ability to enable communities to become effective participants, despite long running institutional arrangements that have been set up to promote just that.

SYNOPSIS In this time of compounding global crisis, the world needs to come together to not only ... more SYNOPSIS In this time of compounding global crisis, the world needs to come together to not only fight the pandemic but to also preserve our commitments to certain shared beliefs. One of these is the eradication of gender inequality even in the midst of this humanitarian crisis. COMMENTARY UNDOUBTEDLY, COVID-19 has a disproportionate impact on people, especially as a result of their positions in society and decision-making processes as well as numerous intersectionalities that compound inequalities; that of genders, disabilities, ethnicities, socioeconomic class, race and even age. In addition, how these play out in complex emergencies: COVID-19 spreading in refugee camps or communities having to deal with natural hazards and the spread of the virus. These scenarios should also be of great concern to leaders. When it comes to differentiated impacts, UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325: The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, with its prevention, participation, protection and role in relief and recovery principles, provides an excellent framework for response strategy for COVID-19. This is certainly a good way to realise ASEAN's shared commitment to the agenda. WPS Framework and Pandemic Response

Routledge eBooks, Sep 8, 2022

This case study focuses on fieldwork conducted in the state of Kerala, India, over a period of 5 ... more This case study focuses on fieldwork conducted in the state of Kerala, India, over a period of 5 months. Through the use of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, I explored the issues of cultural institutions such as the caste system, vis-à-vis marginalized communities in the state. I address the "reshaping" of development research; a postmodern turn in data collection that better reflects truth and reality as experienced by the communities being studied. I explore the research design and use of interviews in the field including ethical considerations for the study, and I also discuss lessons learnt in the field and the realigning of the research agenda based on interview responses. In addition, I consider the strengths and limitations of using interviews as field methodology. Learning Outcomes By the end of this case, students should be able to • Understand how development research has moved from mostly quantitative studies to a mixture of qualitative and quantitative studies • Recognize how the postmodern approach of data collection through interviews allows the researcher to identify "felt needs" and experiences of individuals in development studies • Comprehend the importance of ethics clearance in field study and be able to state the impacts of the interactions with researcher on interview participants • Formulate a comprehensive research plan for conducting field interviews with possible contingencies included

SYNOPSIS: Despite the numerous accomplishments of women in the global arena there still exists a ... more SYNOPSIS: Despite the numerous accomplishments of women in the global arena there still exists a void in global governance; this demands to be filled by greater 'gender analysis' and 'gender mainstreaming'. Are these calls justified or are they merely the pursuits of particular interests?

There is an increasing awareness and acknowledgement of the effects on the earth’s natural system... more There is an increasing awareness and acknowledgement of the effects on the earth’s natural systems attributed to climate change effects. However, some scholars have highlighted how people often miss out on the ‘intangible third-order socio-political and institutional effects’ that have not been fully recognised. This study addresses these ‘intangible’ effects. It is informed by ideas on how physical changes in the environment, translate to social responses, and beyond that can affect regional governmentality and solidarity. Through extensive and multidisciplinary literature reviews, this chapter examines the effects of climate change on something as palpable and important to humans as food production. The possible effects of climate change on food systems have been studied quite closely given the importance of food production to the survival of the species. Furthering the study and moving beyond the effects of climate change on food, I look into the potential for conflict in climate-induced food insecurities and how such events may or may not destabilise regional institutions such as ASEAN.

Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks, Sep 7, 2021

The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Sep 10, 2015

The Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar have faced discrimination due to their ethnicity and religion fro... more The Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar have faced discrimination due to their ethnicity and religion from the majority Burmese-Buddhist population and have been subjected to biased policies governing citizenship. This has resulted in prejudicial behavior on the part of the state in terms of movement, employment, education, and, consequently, access to food. Such discrimination has led to the Rohingyas being one of the most food-insecure communities in Asia. Using concepts of biopolitics and governmentality, I discuss how acute hunger in the community is a state-created construct-one of many strategies to isolate and control the Rohingyas.

ASEAN's move towards a post-2015 community presents an opportune moment to relook at issues surro... more ASEAN's move towards a post-2015 community presents an opportune moment to relook at issues surrounding women and their role in this envisioned integration. This is especially so in addressing women's roles, in a milieu of change and reformation, in bringing about and maintaining peace in the region. Commentary THE UNITED Nations Security Council Resolution, UNSCR 1325, adopted in 2000, is based on four pillarsprevention of violence against women; protection from sexual and gender-based violence; participation of women in all levels of decisionmaking; and women's effective and sustained involvement in relief and recovery. There are concerns that the envisioned regional economic integration will perpetuate a gendered ASEAN, which prioritises other interests over gender justice.

BRILL eBooks, Nov 16, 2021

Journal of International Development, May 19, 2016

Routledge eBooks, Sep 8, 2022

Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks, Sep 7, 2021

The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Sep 10, 2015

Asian Journal of Contemporary Politics , 2021

Economic security in southeast Asia is often connected to the survival and security of states. Th... more Economic security in southeast Asia is often connected to the survival and security of states. This macro definition can be contrasted with a more people-centred approach to economic security. This article focuses on this aspect. Of particular concern is how men and women are affected differently in unstable times. We witness this now in this global pandemic. The current economic insecurities of women are not a reflection of historical gender norms but more a creation of contemporary neoliberal economics as practised in the region. While southeast Asia does well as a global economic hub, women do not have a fair share in its gains. By examining issues of power, liberating policies and women's rights and the right to decent work, the article ultimately posits greater intervention in narrowing economic inequalities. This will be a vital step in rebuilding national economies in southeast Asia, post-pandemic and in the years to come.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2019

Timor-Leste achieved its independence from Indonesia in 2002 but continues to suffer from a numbe... more Timor-Leste achieved its independence from Indonesia in 2002 but continues to suffer from a number of hazards such as flooding and landslides, water and food insecurity, and societal tensions. This article seeks to understand disaster governance in Timor-Leste through a particular investigation into its emergency preparedness and disaster response operations. These are coordinated by the government, international agencies, and local organisations. There were three overarching themes that emerged from the fieldwork. They were: time taken to respond to disasters, low capacity, and issues with coordination. The findings also revealed a number of challenges to disaster governance to support emergency preparedness and disaster response operations. While the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) set up by the UN plays an important role in disaster governance in Timor-Leste there are a number of limitations to engaging the necessary institutional actors.