A chronological key to principal events, 1840-2000, by country -- Map of South-East Asia -- pt. I. Opening thoughts. 1. Introduction -- pt. 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? -- pt. 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 -- pt. IV. Closing thoughts. 10. Monarchy and democracy -- pt. V. Steps retraced. 11. Further glimpses of the deeper past
Summary
This book is the first study to relate the political history of the South East Asian Monarchy to the politics of the region today. The excellent coverage of this fascinating subject should be of interest to the general reader
