BLOOD AND SILK : POWER AND CONFLICT IN MODERN SOUTHEAST ASIA PB – MICHAEL VATIKIOTIS

A lively and learned guide to the politics, personalities and conflicts that are shaping a dynamic group of countries FINANCIAL TIMES A fascinating and many-layered portrait of Southeast Asia THANT MYINT-U Why are the region s richest countries such as Malaysia riddled with corruption? Why do Myanmar, Thailand and the Philippines harbour unresolved violent insurgencies? How do deepening religious divisions in Indonesia and Malaysia and China s growing influence affect the region and the rest of the world? Thought-provoking and eye-opening, Blood and Silk is an accessible, personal look at modern Southeast Asia, written by one of the region s most experienced outside observers. This is a first-hand account of what it s like to sit at the table with deadly Thai Muslim insurgents, mediate between warring clans in the Southern Philippines and console the victims of political violence in Indonesia – all in an effort to negotiate peace, and understand the reasons behind endemic violence.