Than Shwe: Unmasking Burma’s Tyrant

Than Shwe is one of the world's most notorious dictators, presiding over a military regime that persists in repressing and brutalizing its own people. Until now, his story has not been told. Than Shwe: Unmasking Burma's Tyrant provides the first-ever account of Than Shwe's journey from postal clerk to dictator, analyzing his rise through the ranks of the army, his training in psychological warfare, his belief in astrology, his elimination of rivals, and his ruthless suppression of dissent. Drawing on the insights of Burma Army defectors, international diplomats, and others, Benedict Rogers provides a compelling account of the reclusive and xenophobic character of Than Shwe, and life in Burma under his rule.

This book explains General Than Shwe's extraordinary rise to power---and why it is futile to expect that any kind of "engagement" with his regime will lead to meaningful change and even a modest democratization of this troubled Southeast Asian country. Than Shwe is a tyrant, and tyrants don't negotiate their own demise. Anyone who still believes that is possible should read this book.---Bertil Lintner, author of Burma in Revolt.

In this path-breaking book, Benedict Rogers shines a light into some of the darkest comers of Burma's military dystopia, and in so doing exposes the cunning rise of a man who wraps himself in the trappings of Burma's ancient kings. Meticulously researched, powerfully written, and provocatively argued, this book deserves a place on the bookshelf of all of those interested in Burma, in Southeast Asia, and in the eternal struggle against tyranny and injustice.---Sean Turnell, author of Fiery Dragons: Banks, Moneylenders and Micro-finance in Burma.