Choice Review

The central theme of this book is the character and development of state capitalism in Southeast Asia. The editors and most of the contributors are associated with Australian universities. The introduction and first chapter present the theories of development and underdevelopment employed by the various authors in their analyses. Themes analyzed include the relationship of authoritarianism and economic development, various growth strategies (particularly export-oriented industrialization (EOI) policies), and the roles that class, race, and culture play in development. One of the best chapters is ``Reformist Capitalist Development and the New International Division of Labour.'' Separate chapters cover development issues in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Advanced students of political economy and political development, as well as specialists on Southeast Asia, will find this volume of considerable interest.-N.D. Palmer, emeritus, University of Pennsylvania