Burma Redux: Global Justice and the Quest for Political Reform in Myanmar

by Ian Holliday

July 2011. 301 (xiv + 287) pp

Paperback, 15 × 23 cm

For sale in Thailand only

Contemporary Myanmar faces immense political challenges, and the role outsiders might play in dealing with them is highly contentious. Drawing on views expressed by local citizens, Burma Redux argues for committed strategies of grassroots involvement that engage international aid agencies, global corporations and foreign states. The wide‐ranging discussion positions Myanmar's history, contemporary politics and social circumstances within broader discussions of global justice, democratic transitions, the aid business, corporate social responsibility and international sanctions.

The book serves several audiences: general readers and scholars interested in Southeast Asia, global justice and problems posed by pariah states; Burmese inside the country and in the diaspora; and policymakers, aid workers and advocacy groups.

What others are saying

“In the Western mind, Burmese politics is characterized by a struggle between a rapacious military elite and a gentle, freedom-loving democrat. There is some truth to this view. But more is needed to understand the country and to help its people, and this excellent book — a rare combination of history, social science, and normative political theory — provides the rest” — Daniel A. Bell, Tsinghua University

“As both the United States and the European Union have announced their intention to engage with the new administration in Myanmar, Ian Holliday's timely and well‐focused study provides important background and scholarly guidance justifying intervention on human rights grounds. The strategy proposed of grassroots engagement particularly utilizing neighboring states, international agencies and multinational corporations is well argued and persuasive. The author recognizes that practical difficulties will require determination and high‐level persuasion, not least in regional diplomacy. This is an important contribution, from a refreshingly new perspective.” — Derek Tonkin, Network Myanmar

Highlights

Provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of contemporary politics in Burma/Myanmar
Applies broad arguments about global justice to a major real-world issue; develops the original concept of interactive intervention and applies it to this case
Ranges across a wealth of relevant literatures: history, contemporary politics and society, and work on global justice, democratic transitions, the aid business, corporate social responsibility and sanctions