James T. Siegel tells the story of a nation not able to contain its revolution and makes us feel the pathos of its aftermath. This special book challenges any market-optimistic approach to the understanding of Indonesia and non-Western societies in general.”—Rudolf Mrázek, University of Michigan

The mastermind Suharto conducts his murderous regime of nepotism with cunning and with a profound understanding of Indonesian history, its racial myths and violent obsessions. James Siegel’s amazing book thankfully appears when we need most of all to understand the mind of a dictator, the ruin he has brought upon his country’s democracy, and the further horrors of which he is capable, which may consume us all.”—Rickard Klein, Cornell University

From the Back Cover

"James T. Siegel tells the story of a nation not able to contain its revolution and makes us feel the pathos of its aftermath. This special book challenges any market-optimistic approach to the understanding of Indonesia and non-Western societies in general."--Rudolf Mrazek, University of Michigan

About the Author

James T. Siegel is Professor of Anthropology and Asian Studies at Cornell University and author of numerous books, including Solo in the New Order: Language and Hierarchy in an Indonesian City and Fetish, Recognition, Revolution.