The book offers a groundbreaking analysis of political debate within a significant Southeast Asian society, specifically focusing on the evolution of Malay nationalism. By critically examining key Malay texts from the 19th and 20th centuries, Anthony Milner challenges the conventional view of nationalism as a straightforward framework, revealing its complexities and contestations during this formative period.
Contesting Nationalism and the Expansion of the Public Sphere
This pioneering study explores the dynamics of political debate within a significant Southeast Asian society, shedding light on the cultural and social influences that shape public discourse. It delves into the historical context and contemporary issues, providing insights into how political conversations evolve and impact governance and civic engagement in the region. The work offers a comprehensive analysis, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of political communication in Southeast Asia.
Just who are the Malays? This provocative study, now available in paperback, poses the question and considers how and why the answers have changed over time, and from one region to another. Anthony Milner develops a sustained argument about ethnicity and identity in an historical 'Malay' context.