State and Society in Modern Rangoon

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book State and Society in Modern Rangoon by Donald M. Seekins, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Donald M. Seekins ISBN: 9781317601531
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 17, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Donald M. Seekins
ISBN: 9781317601531
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 17, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

While most of Asia’s major cities are increasingly homogenized by rapid economic growth and cultural globalization, Rangoon, which is Burma’s former capital and largest city, still bears the imprint of a unique and often turbulent history. It is the site of the Shwedagon Pagoda, a focus of Buddhist pilgrimage and devotion since the early second millennium C.E. that continues to play a major role in national life. In 1852, the British occupied Rangoon and made it their colonial capital, building a modern port and administrative center based on western designs. It became the capital of independent Burma in 1948, but in 2005 the State Peace and Development Council military junta established a new, heavily fortified capital at Naypyidaw, 320 kilometers north of the old capital.

A major motive for the capital relocation was the regime’s desire to put distance between itself and Rangoon’s historically restive population. Reacting to the huge anti-government demonstrations of "Democracy Summer" in 1988, the new military regime used massive violence to pacify the city and sought to transform it in line with its supreme goal of state security. However, the "Saffron Revolution" of September 2007 showed that Rangoon’s traditions of resistance reaching back to the colonial era are still very much alive.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

While most of Asia’s major cities are increasingly homogenized by rapid economic growth and cultural globalization, Rangoon, which is Burma’s former capital and largest city, still bears the imprint of a unique and often turbulent history. It is the site of the Shwedagon Pagoda, a focus of Buddhist pilgrimage and devotion since the early second millennium C.E. that continues to play a major role in national life. In 1852, the British occupied Rangoon and made it their colonial capital, building a modern port and administrative center based on western designs. It became the capital of independent Burma in 1948, but in 2005 the State Peace and Development Council military junta established a new, heavily fortified capital at Naypyidaw, 320 kilometers north of the old capital.

A major motive for the capital relocation was the regime’s desire to put distance between itself and Rangoon’s historically restive population. Reacting to the huge anti-government demonstrations of "Democracy Summer" in 1988, the new military regime used massive violence to pacify the city and sought to transform it in line with its supreme goal of state security. However, the "Saffron Revolution" of September 2007 showed that Rangoon’s traditions of resistance reaching back to the colonial era are still very much alive.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book From the chanson française to the canzone d'autore in the 1960s and 1970s by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Music of Louis Andriessen by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book The Development and Structure of Conscience by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Revival: Little Golden America (1944) by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Trade Negotiations In The Oecd by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Soviet Military Deception in the Second World War by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book NATO and the Crisis in the International Order by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Performing Russia by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Questioning the New Public Management by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book The Edge of Race by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Social Policy for Social Work, Social Care and the Caring Professions by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Perspectives on the Music of Christopher Fox by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book The Political Ecology of Climate Change Adaptation by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Women's Mental Health Across the Lifespan by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Russian Thought After Communism: The Rediscovery of a Philosophical Heritage by Donald M. Seekins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy