Revisiting Cham Ethnic Identity in Vietnam and Cambodia: The Concept of "Ethnic Passport"

Abstract

The thesis aims to understand Cham ethnic identity and the qualities that the Cham possess that allowed them to successfully participate in societies in Southeast Asia. It will be argued that the Cham possess the "Ethnic Passport" or a set of "internal documents" composed of several layers such as the "Historical layer", "Religious layer" and the "Oppressed Minority layer". These layers form the basis of the Ethnic Passport framework and will give a more nuanced perpective to the issue of Cham identity in Southeast Asia.