Book excerpt: This comprehensive Dictionary provides descriptive and analytical coverage of the turbulent political history and striking changes which have occurred both regionally and in key countries since the end of the Second World War. Substantially rewritten to take into account the dramatic political events and developments since 1995, the third edition of this acclaimed Dictionary will provide non-specialists and specialists alike with an essential resource on this constantly changing and volatile region. Including new entries, updated country profiles on Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia and a revised reading list, leading authority and commentator on this rapidly developing region Michael Leifer has brought this Dictionary fully up-to-date. Changes in government, the rise of new leaders and the knock-on effect on economy and society are covered including: the death of key figures such as Pol Pot and the rise of a new generation of leaders, dramatic changes of government in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines and elections in Malaysia. Countries covered include Brunei, Burma (Myanmar),Cambodia (Kampuchea), Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Key features include: * Individual entries provide detailed information and authoritative commentary on the central figures, political parties and organizations, political systems and structures, major events and key documents. * For each state covered, an extended narrative analyses its recent history and political and social development. * Extensive cross-referencing and a subject index lead the reader to the vital material. * Subject bibliographies refer researchers to source and secondary matter.