BOOK BRIEF

The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia

James C. Scott
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The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009

Book Brief

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James C. Scott

The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Philosophy

Anthropology

Education
Setting

Upland Southeast Asia • Historical Era

Topic
Philosophy

Anthropology

Business & Economics
Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.4

1,506 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

4.4

1,506 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Philosophy

Anthropology

Education
Setting

Upland Southeast Asia • Historical Era

Topic
Philosophy

Anthropology

Business & Economics
Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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