‘A History of Modern Burma’ (AHOMB), by Dr. Michael W.Charney (Senior Lecturer at London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies) was published in 2009 by Cambridge University Press, is one of few general introductions to the subject for many years.  AHOMB deals with the political history of Burma over the period from the final British colonisation of Upper Burma until 2008.  Aimed at the undergraduate, the book is also accessible to the general reader, giving precise conclusions at the end of each chapter covering specific periods of political and government development.  Each chapter deals with a number of key stages of government issues (for example, the colonial government period deals with nationalism, immigration, and the role of Sangha in opposition to the colonial regime, etc.).  This makes for a structured approach to understanding the issues facing each stage of government.

At 241 pages, this concise book covers a great deal of ground and obviously, interested readers will need to read further; and Dr.Charney gives an annotated bibliography as well as extensive notes to the text.  As a historian, Dr.Charney has not fallen into the trap of some of his contemporaries in viewing the incumbent government as a legitimate force in uniting the nation, but one whose objectives have been unclear since 1962 and has lost any semblance of ideology since 1988.

The concluding chapter deals with the present situation, related to the modern history of the country and the recurring themes that face the present government in many ways similar to those faced by the colonial government; the vexing issue of the relationship between the Burman-dominated lowlands and the ethnic minority-dominated highlands; the general level of poverty amongst the general population, alongside the economic prosperity of a small ‘elite’ (presently the SPDC leaders); the struggle between those wanting democratic rule, and those wanting to hold on to authoritarian rule, giving rise to a degree of unity among the opposition to the rulers; the use of permitting minor concessions on rule, without giving away any real power; the use of a civilian mass organisation which can easily be controlled (e.g. USDA); the use of national security in the face of perceived foreign intervention (neo-colonialism); and the role of the Sangha in mobilising and legitimising the political opposition to repressive rule (colonial or military) – a powerful moral authority that offers a strong force for change (change for good) for Burma.

In short, this history deals in with the subject in a fair and stimulating manner, leading the reader to seek further in-depth understanding of each period under scrutiny.  It is also a timely work in light of the regime’s current efforts to legitimise itself – familiar themes of totalitarian rule and ruses are being replayed, without any real engagement of democratic opposition.

Review by Taisamyone

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