The Political Development of Modern Thailand

This book traces the roots of Thailand's political development from 1932 to the present, accounting for the intervening period's political turmoil.

Federico Ferrara (Author)

9781107657298, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 March 2017

346 pages, 3 b/w illus. 1 map 4 tables
23 x 15.3 x 2 cm, 0.52 kg

'The Political Development of Modern Thailand is a brilliant accomplishment. Its depth and erudition, its historical perspective and interpretive vigor, its closely argued analysis and attention to the disciplinary concerns of comparative politics, its intellectual unity, and, yes, even the quality of its writing make it a monument of scholarship.' Michael J. Montesano, Sojourn: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia

Based on extensive, empirical research, The Political Development of Modern Thailand analyses the country's political history from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Long known for political instability, Thailand was thrust into a deep state of crisis by a royalist military coup staged in 2006. Since then, conservative royalists have overthrown more elected governments after violent street protests, while equally disruptive demonstrations staged by supporters of electoral democracy were crushed by military force. Federico Ferrara traces the roots of the crisis to unresolved struggles regarding the content of Thailand's national identity, dating back to the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932. He explains the conflict's re-intensification with reference to a growing chasm between the hierarchical worldview of Thailand's hegemonic 'royal nationalism' and the aspirations that millions of ordinary people have come to harbour as a result of modernisation.

Preface
1. Unfinished business
2. The birth of Thaines
3. Revolution forsworn
4. The age of betrayal
5. The good dictatorship
6. Rise of the politicians
7. Barbarians at the gate
8. State of unexception
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP], Asian history [HBJF]