AltDev Launches New Book on Grassroots Development Practices in Southeast Asia

The Program on Alternative Development (AtDev) of the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) recently published a book volume titled, Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia: Alternative Practices from the Grassroots and Social Movements (2025). The volume, published by Springer as part of its Asia in Transition book series, brings attention to alternative development practices from marginalized communities across Southeast Asia.

Edited by UP CIDS AltDev Jose Monfred C. Sy and Ananeza P. Aban, the book highlights 20 cases of alternative practices of marginalized local communities, grassroots organizations, and civil society groups in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Malaysia, Cambodia, Northeast India and the works of several regional networks. 

The case studies featured in the Springer book were part of AltDev’s long-term project of research and documentation of alternative practices by marginalized communities and sectors throughout Southeast Asia. These cases have since been featured in four UP CIDS Public Policy Monographs, including two volumes of caselets documenting grassroots alternatives during the COVID-19 Pandemic. By sharing these stories, the project aims to elevate peoples’ perspectives and frameworks from below, to challenge top-down and state-led policymaking at various levels of government and in ASEAN, in hopes of fostering more inclusive and equitable development for the majority of Southeast Asia’s population.

The international publication stands as a testament to the commitment of the UP CIDS Program on Alternative Development in transforming public policy research that centers on alternative development practices, reinforcing its commitment to the service of the Southeast Asian community. 

You may check out the book volume here.