A History of Modern Burma

by Michael W. Charney

Overview

Burma has lived under military rule for nearly half a century. The results of its 1990 elections were never recognized by the ruling junta and Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Burma’s pro-democracy movement, was denied her victory. She has been under housearrest ever since. Now an economic satellite and political dependent of the People’s Republic of China, Burma is at a crossroads. Will it become another North Korea, will it succumb to China’s political embrace or will the people prevail? Michael Charney’s book –the first general history of modern Burma in over five decades - traces the highs and lows of Burma’s history from its pre-colonial past to the “Saffron Revolution” of 2007. By exploring key themes such as the political division between lowland and highland Burma and monastic opposition to state control, the author explains the forces that have made the country what it is today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521617581
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/22/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Michael Charney is Project Professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo and Reader in Southeast Asian and Imperial History at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Professor Charney is a historian of empire, technology and culture, whose research focuses on Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, with particular attention to Burma/Myanmar, Tanzania and Ghana.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Burma under colonial rule; 2. The colonial centre; 3. Self-government without independence; 4. The democratic experiment; 5. Dress rehearsals; 6. The revolutionary council; 7. The BSPP years; 8. Towards democracy, 1988–1990; 9. Perpetual delay; Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"An excellent work that deals with the period from the annexation of Upper Burma by the British in 1886 until the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. The focus is on the period from the 1930s, as self-government was gained in 1937. Charney, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at SOAS, is well-qualified to write this work and he offers a careful account, one that is particularly nuanced in its coverage of the civil conflict and totalitarianism of recent years. What would be welcome is a similar work by Charney on Burmese history as a whole." - The Historian

"This is an incredibly valuable history. In straightforward prose, Charney, a senior historian of pre-modern and modern Burma (Univ. of London), presents a thorough overview of Burmese history with a primary focus on the unfolding of events since independence in 1948.... Charney's narrative is clear, expeditious, and a great resource and reference for anyone interested in this period.... Essential." - Choice

"Those seeking a brisk, yet comprehensive, overview of the modern political history of this fascinating and complex country at last have an adequate reference book." - ASEAUK News

From the Publisher