This book is the first political biography of Aung San Suu Kyi covering both her years in opposition and all her years in power from 2016 onwards. It offers a new interpretation of Aung San Suu Kyi by presenting a balanced and thorough account of Suu Kyi's policies.

In the last 30 years there has not been a person in global politics who has risen so high and fallen so low - and so quickly - as Aung San Suu Kyi. Using postcolonial theory and introducing the new concept of `a hybrid politician', this book explains apparent inconsistencies of Suu Kyi's agenda. It demonstrates that Suu Kyi considers herself a democrat and yet, rules autocratically. Immersed in her country's tradition of policymaking, she has at the same time been influenced by foreign concepts, both Western and Asian. Drawing on first-hand research, including talks with Suu Kyi, conversations with her supporters and rivals, observations of Suu Kyi's behaviour during intergovernmental talks as well as an extensive number of sources and fieldwork in Myanmar, the author argues that Suu Kyi's case shows both the strengths and limits of hybridity. This brings Suu Kyi priceless political assets such as visibility, recognition and support while proving that such a model of leadership has its restrictions.

A timely biography of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate as she appears at the International Court of Justice to defend her country against charges of genocide committed against the Rohingya Muslim minority, this book will be of interest to students and researchers of Myanmar politics, Southeast Asian politics, Asian politics, Political Science more generally, Postcolonial Studies, Cultural Studies and Leadership Studies.

About the Author

Michal Lubina is Associate Professor of Political Science at Jagiellonian University, Poland. He is the author of seven books, including The Moral Democracy: The Political Thought of Aung San Suu Kyi (2019) and Russia and China: A Political Marriage of Convenience - Stable and Successful (2017).

Reviews

"Given the large number of biographies on Aung San Suu Kyi, the first question that arises is whether Michal Lubina's biography of the controversial politician has anything new to contribute. The answer in brief is yes. He uses his detailed knowledge of Myanmar's history, culture, and religion to give a comprehensive interpretation of Aung San Suu Kyi's politics in the context of the country's strained relationship with the West, especially in recent years [...] this book opens up new areas for research, which is more than most books achieve."

Rodion Ebbighausen, Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs

Book Information
ISBN 9780367463847
Author Michal Lubina
Format Paperback
Page Count 150
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 680g