Monarchy in South East Asia

<p>This title is the first study to relate the history and contemporary role of the South East Asian monarchy to the politics of the region today. Comprehensive & up-to-date, Monarchy in South East Asia features an historical and political overview of <br> *Cambodia<br> *Thailand<br> *Malaysia<br> *Brunei<br> *Indonesia<br> *Laos<br> *as well as the region in general.<br> The excellent coverage of this fascinating subject should be of interest to general reader as well as to specialists focusing on region.</p> PART I Opening thoughts 1 Introduction PART II Modern history 2 The colonial era: varieties of Indirect Rule 3 On the threshold of the present: post-war developments 4 Indonesia: the exception that proves the rule? PART III The latest phase 5 Laos: bowing off the stage of history 6 Cambodia: the King with nine lives 7 Malaysia: monarchy overawed 8 Brunei: perks and perils of absolute rule 9 Thailand: a King for all seasons PART IV Closing thoughts 10 Monarchy and democracy PART V Steps retraced 111 Further glimpses of the deeper past