Monarchy in South East Asia

The institution of monarchy has widely come to be regarded as a political anomaly. In South East Asia, however, this axiom is valid only up to a point. Monarchy in South East Asia explores the roles played by the monarchy in the political life of a region in which both ruling and constitutional monarchies continue to maintain considerable authority. Roger Kershaw’s fascinating study looks at the continued influence which the monarchy has had in South East Asia and considers its prospects given the influence of alternative ruling families such as the the Suhartos and the Lees. He surveys the monarchical tradition in the region and traces the ways in which it has evolved to the systems currently in place. Subjects covered include: the impact and legacy of colonial rule the relationship between monarchy and democracy detailed case studies of Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei and Thailand. This scholarly and comprehensive study is invaluable for students of Asian Studies and Comparative Politics. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the role of the monarchy in the modern world.

Author Biography

Roger Kershaw’s association with South-East Asia began in 1962, teaching in Malaya. After graduate studies in London at SOAS, he became a lecturer in South-East Asian Studies in two British universities – Hull and Kent – followed by ten years in Brunei. He is now an independent writer and has written extensively on South-East Asian societies.