Between positionality and nudging: A rising China and Chinese voluntary associations in Southeast Asia

Drawing upon cases studies from Southeast Asia, especially Singapore and Malaysia, this article addresses the following questions pertaining to rise of China its impact Chinese voluntary associations (CVAs) in region over past two decades. By employing theoretical insights positionality, nudging de‐territorialisation by focusing on various strategies pursued respectively CVAs state, we conclude: (i) growing economic ties between Asia serve as platform through which reconstruction take place; (ii) reconstitution has been significantly driven their own initiatives compete a new economy, knowledge connection with rising an expanding market culture advantages; (iii) states both have played part reconfiguration CVAs, motivated respective political agendas; (iv) it is imperative go beyond conventional approaches understanding (internal structure external connections) that dominated much existing literature; argue interactions intersections internal dynamics economy type emerged.