Books
The Irrawaddy “Books” section offers you insightful reviews of volumes on a vast array of issues ranging from culture and politics to ethnic issues and geopolitics, as well as memoirs and other books about Myanmar and Southeast Asia.
Myanmar’s Slow Train Coming
Riding the country’s railways in 2016, author Clare Hammond uncovered a unique history of authoritarianism in Myanmar, in all its many forms.
Dopeland, Myanmar
Patrick Winn’s account of Wa drug trafficking and the CIA’s shadowy involvement in it lacks seriousness and strains credibility, writes David Scott Mathieson.
Reading Myanmar: U Nu and His Prison Novel
A literary biography of Burma’s first prime minister is a timely reminder that the country’s democratic path has long been forged from behind bars.
A Compelling Chronicle of Myanmar’s Rich Cinematic History
Films have always provided Myanmar people with a way “to look at the past through a fancy new lens but also to consider revolutionary new futures”, writes Jane Ferguson.
Hellfire and Damnation in Myanmar: Ex-World Bank Country Head Recounts Rohingya Catastrophe Response
Ellen Goldstein’s Damned If You Do pulls no punches in its excoriating account of World Bank incompetence amid crisis.
American Sideshow in Southeast Asia
Washington’s first ambassador to ASEAN offers deep insights and invaluable lessons on US diplomacy in Myanmar and beyond.
Assamese Journalist Shines Light on One of Asia’s Murkiest Conflicts
A new book by Rajeev Bhattacharyya charts the history of ULFA, which continues to battle the Indian government, including from bases in northern Sagaing Region.
US Spy Memoir Perpetuates Myths About Myanmar Military’s ‘Anti-Drug’ Efforts
In his new book, former Yangon CIA station chief Barry Broman is either ignorant of, or covering up, the Myanmar military’s historic involvement in the drug trade.
Trailblazing Account Captures Complexities of Northeast Myanmar’s UWSA
In a new book, Singaporean anthropologist Andrew Ong looks at life under the Wa Army and the nature of the group’s relationships with the Myanmar military and China.
Myanmar’s Warrior Princess: Opium Queen Olive Yang
A new book explores the controversial life of a Kokang legend who pioneered the opium trade in the Golden Triangle and played a decades-long role in the region’s shadowy politics.
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