Simon Creak

Simon Creak is a historian of modern Southeast Asia, particularly Laos and the region as a whole, with research interests in the cultural and political history of nationalism, regionalism, socialism, and the Cold War.

Simon's current research project, a cultural and political history of the Southeast Asian Games (1959-present), examines how the region's "mini-Olympics" promoted nationalism and regional diplomacy against the background of decolonization, the Cold War, and ASEAN-focused regionalism since the end of the Cold War. He is also embarking on a new project on Cold War cultures in Southeast Asia, which focuses on the local experiences and perceptions of the Cold War in Laos and the wider region. In addition, he continues to publish on the history and politics of Laos with an emphasis on culture, politics, gender, revolution, and socialism.

Closely related to his research, Simon's teaching interests span modern Southeast Asia, the Cold War in Asia, history and memory, and historical methods and historiography. Before commencing at NIE NTU in 2018, Simon held positions at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, University of Melbourne (2014-2017) and Kyoto University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies (2011-2014). He holds a PhD in history from the Australian National University.

Research Interests

• Cultural and Political History of Nationalism
• Regionalism
• Socialism
• The Cold War