The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia
The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Brief
BetaThe Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009464
Book • Nonfiction
Upland Southeast Asia • Historical Era
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia, James C. Scott explores how people in highland Southeast Asia have historically resisted state control. He examines cultural and agricultural practices that prioritize autonomy, illustrating strategies used by marginalized communities to maintain independence from lowland governments and centralized authority.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
James C. Scott's The Art of Not Being Governed is lauded for its insightful exploration of autonomy in Southeast Asia, challenging conventional state-centric narratives. Critics praise its interdisciplinary approach and depth. Some find its arguments occasionally overstretched, but overall, it's a thought-provoking contribution to historical and political discourse.
Who Should Read The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia?
Readers intrigued by indigenous resistance to state control, as seen in James C. Scott’s The Art of Not Being Governed, would enjoy this book. Comparable to Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel, it appeals to those interested in anthropology, history, and political theory, focusing on autonomy and non-state societies.
1,506 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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James C. Scott employs a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining history, anthropology, and political science, to explore the lives of people in upland Southeast Asia who evade state control.
The book challenges conventional views of civilization by considering how some communities have historically thrived outside of government influence, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between states and people.
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The Art of Not Being Governed highlights linguistic diversity as a form of cultural resistance, noting how language acts as a tool for maintaining independence from dominant Burmese and Thai states.
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464
Book • Nonfiction
Upland Southeast Asia • Historical Era
2009
Adult
18+ years
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