Southeast Asia: Past and Present

Southeast Asia: Past and Present offers a balanced and readable account of the region from ancient to modern times, covering traditional history as well as current events. D. R. SarDesai achieves a delicate balance exploring the importance of the period of European colonial rule in Southeast Asia without overemphasis as he introduces students to the regions and peoples of Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, East Timor, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Readers will find insightful introductions at the beginning of each part to aid in understanding the global and political implications of the events discussed. The seventh edition is thoroughly updated to offer coverage of current events, including the historic 2012 elections in Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi’s successful bid for election to the Parliament, the rise of Yingluck Shinawatra to the position of prime minister of neighboring Thailand, and the consolidation of the ASEAN and its consideration of China’s claim to the South China Sea. Combining thematic and chronological approaches with the study of colonialism, nationalism, historical and cultural heritage, and current events, Southeast Asia manages to convey an Asian point of view throughout. The second edition of Southeast Asian History: Essential Readings (978-0-8133-4857-5) is also available from D. R. SarDesai and Westview Press as a complementary or a standalone text.

Table of Contents:
Preface to the Seventh Edition -- Cultural Heritage -- The Land and Its People -- Early Kingdoms in Mainland Southeast Asia -- Early Kingdoms of Sumatra and Java -- The Rise of New States -- European Intrusion in the Indian Archipelago -- Mainland Southeast Asia -- Colonial Interlude -- The English and Dutch in the East Indies -- The British Role in the Malay States in the Nineteenth Century -- Pride and Paramountcy -- The French in Vietnam and Cambodia -- Thailand Remains Independent -- Nationalist Response -- Nationalist Movements in Southeast Asia -- The Filipino Urge for Freedom from Spanish and US Rule -- The Nationalist Movements -- The Nationalist Movements -- Thailand’s Constitutional Revolution -- The Nationalist Movements -- The Nationalist Movements -- Fruits of Freedom -- Independent Philippines -- Myanmar -- Thailand -- Indonesia -- East Timor -- Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei -- Nationalism and Communism in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos -- Vietnam and Cambodia Under Communism -- Tsunami, Cyclone, and Terrorism in Southeast Asia -- Chronological Charts

About the Author :
D. R. SarDesai is professor emeritus of history and the former chair of South and Southeast Asian Studies at UCLA. He was also Chair of the Department of History, UCLA, and Director of the University of California's Education Abroad Program in New Delhi