Burma: Insurgency and the Politics of Ethnicity

by Martin Abbott Smith

Burma remains a land in deep crisis. The popular uprising of 1988 swept away 26 years of military rule under General Ne Win in name only. The National League for Democracy of Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide victory in the 1990 election. But, as this book relates, the military remained in control and the future of Burma looks more problematic than ever. With unparalleled command of largely inaccessible Burmese sources and interviews with many of the leading participants, Martin Smith charts the rise of modern political parties and unravels the complexities of the long-running insurgencies waged by opposition groups, including the Communist Party of Burma, the Karen National Union and a host of other ethnic nationalist movements. In this revised and updated edition, the author vividly explains how one of the most fertile and potentially prosperous countries in Asia has collapsed to become one of the world's poorest.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Asia

521 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most probably, the best book about an extremely complex issue. This encyclopedic book, fruit of decades of research in and outside Burmna and hundreds of interviews with the key persons involved, is essential reading for anyone who wants to make sense of the Burma multilayered conundrum. Written more than 10 years ago, the last chapter shows how little has changed in the country since it was published.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profoundly detailed and brilliantly researched -- necessary reading for any serious Burma-watcher. But tough going for the casual reader.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really interesting and informative book but a REALLY slow read

[Asa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decades of civil war, ethnic strife, and broken promises—brought to you by colonialism, military rule, and the fine art of divide and conquer.