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 The Changing Labour Party by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Degrowth by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book From Solon to Socrates by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Planning Against the Political by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book De-Centering Sexualities by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Distinctiveness, Coercion and Sonority by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book The Educational Potential of e-Portfolios by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book A Geography of the European Union by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Issues in Cultural Tourism Studies by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Ancient India and Indian Civilization by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Further Techniques for Coaching and Mentoring by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Integrity and Historical Research by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Contemporary Perspectives on Art and International Development by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Alternative Institutional Structures by Donald M. Seekins
Cover of the book Experiential Learning in Foreign Language Education 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