Description
Book SynopsisThis innovative text explores the extraordinary personal and political lives of ten leaders who profoundly changed twentieth-century Asian history. China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia are interpreted through the lives of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Mohandas Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Ho Chi Minh, Ngo Dinh Diem, Norodom Sihanouk, Pol Pot, Sukarno, and Suharto. Some recast their countries by force of arms, others by the power of their ideology. Some were born into poverty, others into privilege. Some were democrats, some autocrats, some communists. But however great their differences, each can claim to be an authentic nationalist. Using a biographical approach, this book will stimulate students to think about the relationship between political leadership and nationalism.
Trade ReviewA superb job of objectively summarizing the lives of each leader by providing fact-based, often critical, biographies. The descriptions of each country are also extremely useful; the authors offer much more information about the five countries covered than simply the political and economic impact of the leaders chosen for this study. The level of detail and clear organization would make this an excellent textbook for a college-level class concerned with Asian history. -- Mike McKeon * Current History: A Journal of Contemporary World Affairs *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Part 2 China Chapter 3 Country Introduction Chapter 4 Mao Zedong Chapter 5 Deng Xiaoping Part 6 Vietnam Chapter 7 Country Introduction Chapter 8 Ho Chi Minh: The Communist Patriot Chapter 9 Ngo Dinh Diem: The Conservative Nationalist Part 10 Cambodia Chapter 11 Country Introduction Chapter 12 Norodom Sihanouk: The Populist Prince Chapter 13 Pol Pot: The Architect of autogenocide Part 14 Indonesia Chapter 15 Country Introduction Chapter 16 Sukarno: The Fiery Emancipator Chapter 17 Suharto: The Impassive Administrator Part 18 India Chapter 19 Country Introduction Chapter 20 Mohandas Gandhi: The Spiritual Nationalist Chapter 21 Indira Gandhi: The Autocratic Democrat Chapter 22 Conclusion Chapter 23 Glossary Chapter 24 Appendix Chapter 25 Index Chapter 26 About the Authors
