BOOK REVIEWS—SOUTHEAST ASIA 475

Communist domination. His assertion that killing Communists is not demeritorious

(Kha Khommunit mai bab) became a rallying cry for extremists, although it was only a
small part of a larger ideological belief system based on nation, religion, and
monarchy. The captivating appeal of his formulation of the three pillars was never
effectively rebutted by his detractors, and he continued to flourish after the coup.
Somboon's thesis that the interests of the political rulers and the Sangha coincide
is persuasive. The cooperation of the Sangha provides the state with moral legitima-
tion while government protection guarantees the monks' monopoly as spiritual leaders
of the state. Despite their different value orientations, there is a convergence in the
common interests of both in the prosperity of Buddhism. Such a convergence could
end up alienating the people from the co-opted monks; the prestige of the monks has
remained intact, however, largely because some people feared repressive measures
from the authoritarian government while others accepted the government's policies
as necessary for stability. Those concerned with stability particularly feared the
"dangerous" left-wing monks, who saw threats to the nation stemming from capital-
ism and imperialism, and the resulting socioeconomic inequities.
The author brilliantly assesses the role of two of the three pillars, the state and
religion, but avoids discussion of the third pillar, the monarchy. Clearly the role of the
monarchy is a sensitive subject and one difficult to analyze empirically. However, the
king's more active involvement in political affairs and his position as supreme head of
the Buddhist hierarchy in Thailand suggests that the absence of such discussion may
have skewed this analysis unnecessarily.
The book is essential reading for anyone concerned with Thai Buddhism and Thai
politics. The author effectively blends copious detail and documentation with clear
conceptual guidelines. The comprehensive Thai- and Western-source bibliography
makes the book all the more useful.
CLARK D. NEHER
Northern Illinois University

Burma: A Socialist Nation of Southeast Asia. By DAVID I. STEINBERG.

Boulder, Colo.: Westview Press (Westview Profiles, Nations of Contemporary
Asia), 1982. . xv, 150 pp. Illustrations, Preface, Appendixes, Suggested Read-
ing, Glossary, Measurements and Exchange Rates, Index. $18.50.
Resuming their participation in the Fulbright Program, the Burmese have
recently taken another step in opening themselves to the outside world. This move
follows invitations to Western nations and international organizations to give eco-
nomic assistance and technical help, and to permit tourists to make short visits to
selected areas of the country. In the light of these changes, David I. Steinberg's
introduction to Burma is especially timely and useful.
The author has sought to do two things in this short volume: introduce Burma,
particularly its history and more recent developments, and suggest some of the
problems it faces as well as the means being employed to resolve them. There is a brief
outline of major political, economic, and social issues; subsequent discussion weaves
arguments and ideas found in the scholarly literature, but without identifying the
original writers in footnotes or through extended treatment of rival schools of
thought. For those seeking more information, the author provides a useful brief
annotated bibliography.
Steinberg suggests that Burma may be a unique nation in Southeast Asia because

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 476 JOURNAL OF ASIAN STUDIES

it calls itself socialist and intends to realize that end. But other socialist or welfare
states exist in the region; Vietnam is one kind and Singapore is another. What then is
unique about Burma? Although the author explores key documents and discusses
socialist policies and their implementation, he does not differentiate Burma's ap-
proach from that of other socialist states, either in the region or beyond. This is more
than a theoretical issue; Burma is not an imitator. By not putting his discussion into
comparative perspective, Steinberg's analysis loses its full impact and the unsuspect-
ing reader may not fully appreciate the importance of this particular question.
Today, Burma stands at a crossroads. Leadership changes, the maturation of a
generation born after the 1962 coup, questions about development strategies and
politics are but a few of the problems facing the nation. This book is a useful place to
begin for anyone interested in considering Burma's future in an informed manner.
JOSEF SILVERSTEIN
Rutgers University

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