Overview

Burma (Myanmar) is a Southeast Asian country that is emerging from crisis after more than a half century of hard-line military rule and cultural, diplomatic and economic isolation. With the dissolution of its military regime, the State Peace and Development Council, in 2011, a formally civilian but military-dominated constitutional government was inaugurated. By 2012, Burma's president, retired General Thein Sein, had established a working relationship with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the country's pro-democracy movement since 1988, and after a 2012 by-election she and members of her opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), entered the new Union Parliament as legislators. However, even with the election victory of Daw Suu Kyi and the NLD in the General Election of November 2015, Burma faces daunting challenges: it is still one of the poorest countries in Southeast, fissured by longstanding ethnic conflicts that have made a nationwide peace agreement elusive and its people's security and the environment are threatened by foreign economic exploitation. Religious discord is also widely evident, as Buddhist militants instigate violence against the country's religious minorities, especially Muslims. Today Burma's prospects are the most hopeful they have been for over half a century, as the country takes steps along the road to a more open society and economy. This edition of the Historical Dictionary of Burma (Myanmar) encompasses not only current developments, but also Burma's over 1,500 years-old recorded history and the most important features of its cultures, ethnicity, religions, society and economy. This is done through a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 700 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture.

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9781538101827

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This comprehensive volume, an update of the 2006 edition with over 100 more pages, explores the social, political, religious, and cultural dimensions of 1,000 years of Burmese history. An excellent 48-page introduction guides the reader through the numerous regimes the country has known: a series of kingdoms, British rule beginning in the 19th century, Japanese occupation, independence in 1948, and various forms of unrest since. The 700 plus entries range from broad subjects (women in Burmese society, foreign investment, Buddhism) to narrow topics such as individual events of importance (elections for instance), locations (towns, rivers, etc.), and individuals of importance throughout Burmese history. The subject of Rohingyas, a frequent topic in today's news, is also examined. Maps, a chronology, excellent cross-references within the text, and an extensive subject bibliography enhance the usability and add to the value of this source. This book will serve well any library population with an interest in world history or Southeast Asia. Academic libraries will be most likely to add it to their collections, but public and high school libraries should consider it as well. * American Reference Books Annual *

Author Information

Donald M. Seekins is emeritus professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Meio University in Okinawa, Japan; he also is adjunct professor of History in the University of Maryland University College.

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