The Army-State and Spatial Politics in Burma: From Junta to Junta

by Donald M. Seekins

Overview

This book paints a clear picture of Burmese political and social dynamics between 1948 – 2024 that is not distorted by seeing Burma as simply another case of western-inspired democratization or its failure.

The book makes the argument that instead of focussing exclusively on the faults of Burma’s army-state and political leaders, the country’s spatial constitution is fundamental to understanding its post-1948 failure to achieve national unity. Throughout the analysis, Seekins reveals how the struggle to defend space from the homogenizing and coercive power of the state is essentially one of autonomy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529240467
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	01/06/2026
Series:	Spaces of Peace, Security and Development
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

About the Author

Donald M. Seekins is Emeritus Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Meio University, Okinawa, Japan.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Spatiality and the State

1. Burma’s Fundamental Spatial Characteristics

2. The Five Enemies of Man

3. The Border Areas

4. Yangon: The “Dangerous” City

5. Cities of the Past and Future: Mandalay and Naypyidaw

6. Buddhism and Spatiality in Burma

7. Conclusions: Burma at War with the Army-State