The countries of Southeast Asia have had varying degrees of success in establishing governments that are perceived by their citizens to have the right to rule. This book analyzes variations in political legitimacy in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam to present specific conclusions on Southeast Asia and the relevance of the framework for the study of political legitimation in other countries.

Contributors; A note on Thai and Vietnamese names; Introduction Muthiah Alagappa; Part I. Legitimacy: Explication and Elaboration: 1. The anatomy of legitimacy Muthiah Alagappa; 2. The bases of legitimacy Muthiah Alagappa; 3. Contestation and crisis Muthiah Alagappa; Part II. Legitimacy: Case Studies: 4. Malaysia: aspects and audiences of legitimacy William Case; 5. Singapore: political legitimacy through managing conformity Cho-Oon Khong; 6. The Philippines: the languages of legitimation John T. Sidel; 7. Burma: the depoliticization of the political Chaeo-Tz ang Yawnghwe; 8. Thailand: the evolution of legitimacy Saitip Sukatipan; 9. Indonesia: historicizing the New Order's legitimacy dilemma Mochtar Pabottingi; 10. Vietnam: the changing models of legitimation Thaveeporn Vasavakul; Part III. Conclusion and Observations: 11. Seeking a more durable basis of authority Muthiah Alagappa; Notes; Bibliography; Index.