The Quest for Identity: International Relations of Southeast Asia

by Amitav Acharya

The book seeks to provide an understanding of Southest Asia as a region, the problems of statehood faced by the individual countries, and the search for regional order, peace and stability. It also explores Southeast Asia's adaptation to the changing world order, and long-term changes in terms of economic, political, and security implications.

Genres: Politics, History

200 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jason Friedlander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good overall, with a particularly excellent overview of Southeast Asian relations over the 20th century. I think it lags at the backend as it approaches the 21st century and details some of what was going on in the then-present day (early 2000s). It was also quite theoretically safe and I wish it had a bolder analysis of things, but it was still an interesting read nonetheless.

I’m looking forward to continue learning about the region and its many conceptions, and for those curious too, I recommend this is a decent start to the journey.

[Neil H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly focused, readable book for most of your needs on knowing about ASEAN. How it came to be from its messy pre colonial period, decolonial uncertainty, nationalist and regional stuttering aspirations. Mr Achraya makes swift work of persuading the reader he's there to provide the best use of ur time if you r just patient. It's a voyage on Asia, our times and our progression.

[David Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative book that could have been cut in half. Spends far too much time repeating the same information over and over again.