Southeast Asia : Crossroads of the World

This accessible text provides a useful introductory look at the history, cultures, and politics of Southeast Asia, an area that is home to more than 400 million people. Neher offers an overview of the region, which comprises eleven nations: Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. He investigates the diversity of these countries and their people, including their varied ethnic groups, languages, religions, and traditions. While exploring the dichotomies between urban and rural, Buddhist and Muslim, modern and ancient, Southeast Asia takes readers on an exciting journey through these countries' pasts, presents, and futures. Neher also touches on the region's prominent leaders, economies, family structures, and more. Discussion questions and suggestions for further reading round out each chapter and encourage readers to continue learning about the topic. High school students, undergraduates, and those simply interested in this fascinating part of the world will find this solid introduction engaging and informative.

Clark D. Neher is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northern Illinois University. He served as Chair of the Department of Political Science and was Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books on the region including Southeast Asia in the New International Era.