About the Author

Shane Strate is assistant professor of history at Kent State University, USA.

Reviews

Strate's work is important because it effectively uncovers and unites into a single framework what historians have generally treated as unconnected, epiphenomenal trends and moments in modern Thai history, connecting the dots of extraterritoriality, irredentism, and anti-foreignism. Strate is right to say that there is a paucity of historical work on Thai domestic politics during the Second World War, and he draws widely from many archival sources as well as from newspapers to paint a none-too-complimentary picture of how Thai chauvinists created the ideological atmosphere conducive to Thai imperial aspirations during the war. . . . The author provides a much-needed corrective, showing how Siam did more than merely survive, but in fact became a competitor in the imperialist game.--David Streckfuss, University of Wisconsin-Madison "Journal of Southeast Asian Studies (Spring 2017)"

The book is well researched, empirically rich and based on an impressive amount of source material collected in Thailand, France, and the US. It sheds new light on questions that are central to the historiographical debate and contributes to the current revisionist historiography.-- "Pacific Affairs"

In terms of strengths, Strate's book shows how Thai leaders have continuously used historical victimization by the West to galvanize popular support. Another of its strengths is the use of original research, including Thai government documents. Though the book is meant for historians of Thailand, Strate's easy-to-understand writing style also makes it a good read for anyone. . . . the book superbly reveals how anti-Western nationalism continues to be exploited by Thai politicians and is thus a fascinating read.-- "Asian Affairs Review"

The book is particularly useful, therefore, to historians and political scientists and could be helpfully integrated into analyses currently underway about Thailand's recent political upheavals.-- "CHOICE"

The Lost Territories: Thailand's History of National Humiliation by Shane Strate discusses the pertinent topic of how national humiliation has been politically exploited, and thus became politically useful, in supporting ethnic chauvinism and military expansion. . . intellectually stimulating. It is easy to read.-- "Southeast Asian Studies"

. . . provides a refreshing new perspective on twentieth-century Thai history, particularly on Thailand's role in and around the Second World War.-- "Sojourn: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia"