Burma, the State of Myanmar

Steinberg (director, Asian Studies, Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service) sheds news 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. He analyzes a generation of military governments and their attempts to address the nation's problems, focusing on the effects of Burma's geopolitical placement, the destruction of civil society, and rising ethnic tensions. While taking into account the importance of foreign aid and foreign advocates for reform, he contends that the solution to the country's problems lie with the Burmese themselves. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)