Southeast Asia offers a rich tapestry of comparatively under-studied countries that shed light on political dynamics and political economy within developing states. Some countries manage rapid economic development while others do not; Southeast Asia is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the last forty years (e.g. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and later Indonesia) alongside economic basket cases (e.g. Burma) and chronic under-performers (e.g. the Philippines).
In addition, there are abundant examples of political transitions to or from democracy to be found in the region, along with countries that seem to function stably somewhere between democracy and autocracy. (Indonesia’s experiment with democracy is a critical case study in the compatibility of Islam with democracy.)
This new four-volume collection from Routledge represents a unique compilation of the best work on modern Southeast Asian politics, and as such will be an invaluable resource for students and instructors interested in the region. It will also appeal to those interested in the politics of the developing world more generally and who are looking to the experiences of the countries that form Southeast Asia for invaluable case studies that resonate in a wider political and economic context.