Thematic and analytical in approach, Modern Southeast Asia provides an interdisciplinary history of the region from around 1800 to the present day. Organized around case studies illustrating the major themes and debates in Southeast Asian history, this title retains a clear chronological structure within each chapter, investigating major topics such as the effects of colonialism and imperialism, the various forms of community and authority that make up the 'nation' and 'state', and the concept of modernity as viewed from different socioeconomic and gender perspectives. Challenging the boundaries of what we mean by 'Southeast Asia' as an area of historical study, Modern Southeast Asia is essential reading for students of the history and culture of this fascinating region.