Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei

The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei provides an overview of significant themes, issues, and challenges pertinent to Brunei Darussalam in the twenty-first century, covering topics such as philology, history, religion, language and literature, geography, international relations, economics, politics, and sociocultural traditions. It is structured in eight parts and discusses the recent past and contemporary developments in the country, which has remained a Malay Muslim sultanate, sustaining its religious and traditional heritage. It is an invaluable reference work for students of Asian and Southeast Asian Studies and researchers interested in the smallest country within the ASEAN.

Format: Hardback
Length: 366 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei provides a comprehensive exploration of the significant themes, issues, and challenges confronting Brunei Darussalam in the twenty-first century. Spanning a multidisciplinary spectrum, the contributions delve into diverse topics such as philology, history, religion, language and literature, geography, international relations, economics, politics, and sociocultural traditions.

Organized into eight distinct parts, the Handbook offers a foundational framework for understanding Brunei's past, present, and future. The Foundations section provides an introduction to the country's historical background, cultural heritage, and political structure. The History section delves into the chronological events and historical figures that have shaped Brunei's development. The Faith and Ethnicity section explores the religious and ethnic diversity of Brunei, highlighting the role of Islam as the official religion and the Malay Muslim sultanate as the governing system. The Literature section examines the rich literary traditions of Brunei, including poetry, prose, and drama. The Language and Education section explores the language and educational systems in Brunei, including the Malay language, English, and other languages spoken in the country. The Economics section examines Brunei's economic development, including its natural resources, industry, and trade. The Material Culture section explores the traditional arts, crafts, and cultural practices of Brunei. The Empowerment section examines the social and political empowerment of women, minorities, and other marginalized groups in Brunei.

Each chapter in the Handbook focuses on the recent past and contemporary developments in Brunei, a unique country that has maintained a Malay Muslim sultanate while preserving its religious and traditional heritage. The national philosophy, Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), serves as a guiding principle for social, cultural, political, and economic sustainability. The contributors discuss the MIB philosophy in relation to the concept of 'Malay or 'Malaydom,' the official religion of the nation-state, Islam, and monarchy as the essential system of government.

The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei is an invaluable resource for students of Asian and Southeast Asian Studies and researchers seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this demographically smallest country within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective on Brunei's past, present, and future, providing insights into its cultural, social, and political landscape.

Weight: 890g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367819149