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Burma: The State of Myanmar
Long isolated by rigid military rule, Burma, or Myanmar, is one of the least known, significantly sized states in the world. Possessed of a rich cultural history yet facing a range of challenges to stability and growth, it has struck the imaginations of those concerned not only with geopolitical or trade affairs but also with poverty, health, and human rights. David I. Steinberg sheds new light on this reclusive state by exploring issues of authority and legitimacy in its politics, economics, social structure, and culture since the popular uprising and military coup of 1988.
Exploring the origins of that year's tumultuous events, Steinberg analyzes a generation of preceding military governments and their attempts to address the nation's problems. He focuses on the role of the military, the effects of Burma's geopolitical placement, the plight of the poor, the destruction of civil society, and rising ethnic tensions. While taking into account the importance of foreign observers as counterpoints to official views, suppliers of economic aid, and advocates of reform, Steinberg contends that ultimately, the solutions to Myanmar's varied problems lie with the Burmese themselves and the policies of their government.
The paperback edition includes a postcript that reveals the most current and critical issues facing Burma since the publication of the original hardcover in March 2001. Steinberg brings readers up to date on the recent release of political prisoners, economic and military conditions, United Nations actions, and the complex, ever-changing relationship between Thailand and Myanmar.
Exploring the origins of that year's tumultuous events, Steinberg analyzes a generation of preceding military governments and their attempts to address the nation's problems. He focuses on the role of the military, the effects of Burma's geopolitical placement, the plight of the poor, the destruction of civil society, and rising ethnic tensions. While taking into account the importance of foreign observers as counterpoints to official views, suppliers of economic aid, and advocates of reform, Steinberg contends that ultimately, the solutions to Myanmar's varied problems lie with the Burmese themselves and the policies of their government.
The paperback edition includes a postcript that reveals the most current and critical issues facing Burma since the publication of the original hardcover in March 2001. Steinberg brings readers up to date on the recent release of political prisoners, economic and military conditions, United Nations actions, and the complex, ever-changing relationship between Thailand and Myanmar.
Paperback
First published March 2, 2001
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About the author
David I. Steinberg
31 books7 followersDavid I. Steinberg was an American historian and U.S. Foreign Service officer. As of 2023, he held the title of Distinguished Professor of Asian Studies Emeritus at Georgetown University. David Steinberg specialised in Myanmar, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, and U.S. policy in Asia.
Steinberg was a prolific author with 14 books and over 150 articles and book chapters to his name, in addition to approximately 300 op-eds. He received degrees from Dartmouth College, Lingnan University, Harvard University, and the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.
As a member of the Senior Foreign Service at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) within the Department of State, Steinberg served as the Director for Technical Assistance in Asia and the Middle East. He also held the position of Director for Philippines, Thailand, and Burma Affairs. During his time with USAID, he spent three years in Thailand at the Regional Development Office. Prior to his tenure at Georgetown, he held positions as a Representative of the Asia Foundation in Korea, Hong Kong, Burma, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, he served as the Distinguished Professor of Korean Studies at Georgetown University and as the President of the Mansfield Center for Pacific Affairs.
Steinberg was a prolific author with 14 books and over 150 articles and book chapters to his name, in addition to approximately 300 op-eds. He received degrees from Dartmouth College, Lingnan University, Harvard University, and the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.
As a member of the Senior Foreign Service at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) within the Department of State, Steinberg served as the Director for Technical Assistance in Asia and the Middle East. He also held the position of Director for Philippines, Thailand, and Burma Affairs. During his time with USAID, he spent three years in Thailand at the Regional Development Office. Prior to his tenure at Georgetown, he held positions as a Representative of the Asia Foundation in Korea, Hong Kong, Burma, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, he served as the Distinguished Professor of Korean Studies at Georgetown University and as the President of the Mansfield Center for Pacific Affairs.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 14, 2007
The peaceful mass demonstration led by Buddhist monks in Yangoon, Myanmar, has attracted my attention to study more on the Mynamar isse, its history, and international intervetion especially from the UN and ASEAN perspectives.
After scanning some books on Burman/Myanmar, I have found that this book is strongly recommended to read on the historical background of the current Myanmar State. It provides a short and easy to understand political system, social, economic, international realtions and political issues of Myanmar.
Myanmar, a multin ethnic country, faces with some revolts among ethnic groups.
In 1998. the forces in revolt include Arakan Liberation Party, Chin National Front, Karen National Union, Karen National Progressive Party, Lahu National Organization, Mergui-Tavoy United Front, National Social Council of Nagaland, National Unity Party of Arakan, Rohingya National Alliance, Shan United Revolutionary Army.
Wa National Organization
On the international front, India and China has a competing interest in Myanmar. ASEAN prefers Myanmar to be a buffer zone to counterpoint Chinese influence in the region.
US and Europe have santioned Myanmar since 1988, the time of bloody cracking down on mass demonstration led by students, resulted in an estimated 3000 casualties.
ASEAN has tried to accomodate Myanmar in its family. But recent event in the end of September and early October, 2007, have pressured ASEAN to take more stringent approach towards Myanmar.
After scanning some books on Burman/Myanmar, I have found that this book is strongly recommended to read on the historical background of the current Myanmar State. It provides a short and easy to understand political system, social, economic, international realtions and political issues of Myanmar.
Myanmar, a multin ethnic country, faces with some revolts among ethnic groups.
In 1998. the forces in revolt include Arakan Liberation Party, Chin National Front, Karen National Union, Karen National Progressive Party, Lahu National Organization, Mergui-Tavoy United Front, National Social Council of Nagaland, National Unity Party of Arakan, Rohingya National Alliance, Shan United Revolutionary Army.
Wa National Organization
On the international front, India and China has a competing interest in Myanmar. ASEAN prefers Myanmar to be a buffer zone to counterpoint Chinese influence in the region.
US and Europe have santioned Myanmar since 1988, the time of bloody cracking down on mass demonstration led by students, resulted in an estimated 3000 casualties.
ASEAN has tried to accomodate Myanmar in its family. But recent event in the end of September and early October, 2007, have pressured ASEAN to take more stringent approach towards Myanmar.
April 23, 2008
Boo. Informative, but State Dept warmongers get the DI
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews