The rise of the new middle classes in Southeast Asia has brought about important transformations in various countries - politically, socially, economically, and culturally - while producing new 'East Asian lifestyles' that transcend national boundaries and causing the reorganization of urban space. Based on the framework of comparative politics, this study examines the regional significance of the growth of the middle classes after the economic crisis in 1997-1998. It pays special attention to the conditions which led to the fall of Thailand's Thaksin government as a consequence of a military coup. From the international relations point of view, this collective work by Southeast Asian specialists also uses abundant data to unravel the regionalization of the cultural industry across East Asia.

About Editors and Authors

SHIRAISHI Takashi is a Japanese scholar of international politics who specializes in Southeast Asian area studies focusing on Indonesian politics. He has held eminent positions including Director of the Institute of Developing Economics, Professor at Kyoto University,  President at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Special Invited Professor at Ritsumeikan University, Member of the Council for Science and Technology, Cabinet Office, and President of Kumamoto Prefectural University.

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