9th Biennial ACSPRI Social Science Methodology Conference

This study investigates the political economy of COVID-19 vaccine access in Southeast Asia, focusing on the interplay of institutional, ideational, and actor interests in the trade and health sectors during the pandemic. It explores how these factors interact and impact equitable vaccine access, using COVID-19 as a case study.

Grounded in constructivist epistemology, this research aims to understand the underlying structures driving vaccine access in Southeast Asia. Constructivist epistemology is particularly valuable for this study due to its focus on the social, political and cultural factors underlying vaccine access. The methodology primarily employs qualitative methods, supplemented by social network analysis to highlight discrepancies in vaccine availability across the region.

The research adopts an international political economy and health governance approach, with national, regional, and global levels of analysis. This approach is well-suited for answering the research questions, as it examines multi-level governance and the political economic conditions influencing vaccine access. The study considers interactions among Southeast Asian institutions and political actors operating across different territorial boundaries including with international organisations and with varying governance resources.

The research design employs a multimethod approach, combining document analysis and comparative case studies through interviews. It is divided into two phases:

Phase 1: Document Analysis
This phase analyzes policy and regulatory documents to understand how intellectual property, trade, and health issues are framed by governments and intergovernmental organizations. Using a thematic analysis approach, I will categorize recurring themes and patterns within the data. Using a scoping exercise of existing literature, I will map the levels of vaccine access in countries across the region at critical COVID-19 pandemic junctures and delve into the types of vaccines acquired by each Southeast Asian country. This review will help delineate universal barriers to vaccine access shared among all Southeast Asian countries, as well as those specific to the region.

Phase 2: Comparative Case Study
This phase involves interviews with key stakeholders, including former and current policymakers, experts, diplomats, business actors, and civil society members. The interviews aim to identify regional challenges and country-specific barriers to vaccine access in the context of international trade and health policy. By eliciting empirical data, the study seeks to understand the complexities of vaccine access and the dynamics of political economic conditions that contribute to it.

By elucidating these complexities, the research aims to contribute to health equity in Southeast Asia and shed light on the dynamics of equitable vaccine access. The findings have the potential to provide insights into the political and economic factors that influence vaccine distribution and offer recommendations for improving access in the region.