Southeast Asia offers a balanced, readable account of the region from ancient modern times, covering traditional history as well as current events. SarDesai avoids exaggerating (as others do) the importance of the period of European colonial rule as he introduces us to the regions and peoples of Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Combining thematic and chronological approaches with the study of colonialism, nationalism, domestic problems, and international relations, Southeast Asia manages to convey an Asian point of view throughout. In this revised fourth edition, Professor SarDesai brings his account of region's history up to date and provides a completely updated, comprehensive bibliography and chronology.