Laos : from buffer state to crossroads? / by Vatthana Pholsena and Ruth Banomyomh ; translated by Michael Smithies
Imprint
Chiang Mai : Mekong Press, 2006
Descript
215 p. : ill. ; 21 cm
SUMMARY
Can Laos emerge from the shadows of its more powerful neighbours? It has been carved up by colonial powers in the 19th century and dragged into devastating revolution and war in the 20th century. The authors provides a full, frank and engaging survey of Load today, assessing its history, prospects and hopes.
CONTENT
Geopolitics of a buffer state: from the pre-colonial period to the cold war -- A regional positioning : integration into ASEAN -- Bilateral relations with Vietnam and Thailand -- The realities of a less developed state -- Laos-logistics platform for the Mekong region? -- The myth of isolation: old and new cross-border phenomena -- Society and culture: continuities and changes