This book investigates the theme of global transitions with a cross-regional comparative study of two areas experiencing change over the past three decades: Southeast Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Political transitions in Asia have been the subject of interest in academic and policy-making communities recently as there are encouraging signs of democratization in countries that exhibit elements of authoritarianism. In those countries with relatively open political systems, transitions to democracy have been complete albeit messy, flawed, and highly contested. In contrast, countries of the MENA region that have been gripped by revolts in recent years find themselves in the midst of chaotic and uncontrollable transitions. Why are there such differences between these regions? What, if anything, can be learned and applied from the transitions in Southeast Asia? These questions are answered here as Asia's experience is contrasted with the Arab revolts and the struggle of the different countries in the MENA region to fashion a new social contract between states and citizens.

Presents a first and timely comparative study of state-society relations in Asia and the Middle East Promotes concepts of analytical value for understanding the differences and similarities of political transitions in major regions of the world Provides the theoretical foundation for future detailed investigations of cross-regional political transitions Highlights regional comparisons and diversity in its contribution to the study of two complex regions undergoing social transformation

Autorentext
Teresita Cruz-del Rosario is Senior Research Fellow at the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore. Her research interests include development, migration, and Asia-Arabia historical connections. She is the author of numerous chapters and books, including The State and the Advocate: Development Policy in Asia.
James M. Dorsey is Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, and Co-Director of the Institute for Fan Culture at the University of Würzburg, Germany. He is a syndicated columnist and the author of The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer.

Inhalt
Introduction.- 1. Nascent and Latent: Differential Roles of Civil Society in Southeast Asia and the MENA Region.- 2. To Shoot or Not to Shoot: The Military in Political Transitions.- 3. Superpowers, Regional Hegemons, Ethno-nations, and Sectarian States: Identity Politics in Transition Regimes.- Conclusion: Transition(ing) to What?.