This collection of essays surveys enterprise and welfare reforms in all the remaining four Asian communist states: China, Vietnam, Laos and North Korea.

Covering the themes of globalization, state power and culture from the 15th to the 21st century, this volume explores the changing nature and meaning of international borders over time in the area referred to today as the Greater Mekong Sub-region, incorporating Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and China's Yunnan province

"Vietnam: Rethinking the State" offers an exciting and up-to-date look at the politics of this fascinating country as it seeks to make the transition from war-torn economic backwater to a dynamic and modern society. The book argues for a move away from the commonly associated idea of "reform," arguing for a deeper understanding of the concept and questioning the idea of state-retreat. The result is a path-breaking book which gets beneath the surface of Vietnam's politics in a way which few outsiders otherwise could.

Looks at the politics of Vietnam as it seeks to make the transition from war-torn economic backwater to a dynamic and modern society. This book vouches for a move away from the commonly associated idea of 'reform', arguing for a deeper understanding of the concept and questioning the idea of state-retreat.