An examination of Burma and its military regime. The author explores issues of authority and legitimacy in Burma's politics, economics, social structure and culture since the popular uprising and military coup of 1988. He also analyzes the origins of that year's events.
Prof Steinberg presents one of the few unbiased studies of Burma. Being familiar with a wide variety of authors on Burma, I know of no others who can so delicately balance his critique of the Burmese regime with a critique of Western policy toward Burma.