Democracy and National Identity in Thailand (Rethinking Southeast Asia: Vol. 7)

By: Michael Kelly Connors

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Synopsis: This book seeks to illuminate how Thai elites have used democracy as an instrument for order and discipline. Drawing on interviews, numerous Thai language sources, and critical theory, the author reveals a remarkable adaptation of the idea of democracy in the Thai context. Connors shows how elites have drawn on Western political theory to design projects to create modern citizens. He argues that it is possible to see the idea and practice of elite liberal democracy in Thailand, and elsewhere, as a key ideological resource in the project of securing hegemony over undisciplined populations. In this perspective the ideas of civil society, civic virtue, social capital and democracy itself are all part of the weaponry deployed in an effort to create 'good citizens', who act as guardians of the elite defined common good.

Book Quality:: Publisher Quality
Book Size:: 288 Pages
ISBN-13:: 9781134484362
Related ISBNs:: 9780203361634, 9780415272308
Publisher:: Taylor and Francis
Date of Addition:: 08/10/22
Copyrighted By:: Michael Kelly Connors
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: History, Nonfiction, Australiana, Social Studies, Politics and Government
Submitted By:: Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.