Mon Nationalism and Civil War in Burma

A major contribution to the literature of Burmese history and politics, this book traces the rich and tragic history of the Mon people of Burma and Thailand, from the pre-colonial era to the present day. This vivid account of ethnic politics and civil war situates the story of Mon nationalism within the 'big picture' of developments in Burma, Thailand and the region. Primarily an empirical study, it also addresses issues of identity and anticipates Burmese politics in the new millennium. A particular feature of the book is its first-hand descriptions of insurgency and displacement, drawn from the author's experiences as an aid worker in the war zone.

Part I: The Mon in Burma and Thailand Part II. Classical Mon Civilisation and the Colonial Period Part III. Independence, Civil War and Ethnic Insurgency Part IV. Revolutionaries, Warlords and Refugees Part V. The Mon Ceasefire and Since Part VI. The Sheldrake and the Peacock