History Of Modern Burma, A

Description:
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 house-arrest 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 colonial past to the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. 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.

Review:
'Michael Charney's new book is a timely and very welcome contribution to the study of Burma or Myanmar. A History of Modern Burma is an accessible, well organized, and extensively researched account of Burma's recent past by one of today's leading scholars in the field. At a time of increasing international awareness of Burma, the book will be of interest not only to students and researchers but to anyone wanting to learn more about the country. Dr Charney offers a balanced and factual survey of modern Burmese history, drawing on his deep understanding of the country's past and a thorough knowledge of the existing literature.' Thant Myint-U '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.' Jeremy Black, The Historian '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.' The Historical Association

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.

Author Biography:
Michael W. Charney is Senior Lecturer in the Department of History, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. His previous publications include Powerful Learning: Buddhist Literati and the Throne in Burma's Last Dynasty, 1752-1885 (2006) and Southeast Asian Warfare, 1300-1900 (2004).