Since its inception in 1974, ""Southeast Asian Affairs"" (""SEAA"") has been an indispensable annual reference for generations of policy-makers, scholars, analysts, journalists, and others. Succinctly written by regional and international experts, ""SEAA"" illuminates significant issues and events of the previous year in each of the Southeast Asian nations and the region as a whole. ""Southeast Asian Affairs 2009"" provides an informed and readable analysis of the events and developments in the region in 2008. In the regional section of this volume, the first three articles provide the political and economic overview of Southeast Asia and the region. Eleven country reviews as well as seven special theme articles follow, delving into domestic political, economic, security, and social developments during 2008 and their implications for countries in the region and beyond.