Democracy and National Identity in Thailand (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780415272308)

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.

Author: Michael Kelly Connors
ISBN-10: 0415272300
ISBN-13: 9780415272308
Publisher: Routledge
Language: English
Published: 10/17/2002
Pages: 282
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.21lbs
Size: 9.70h x 6.14w x 0.82d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 07/01/2004 pg. 2116