Acknowledgements; Map: the Asia-Pacific region; Introduction; Part I. Modernity and Nation-States at the Dawn of the Global Era: 1. Traditional states and colonisation; 2. The modern constitution; 3. Writing the constitution; Part II. The Constitution of Modernity: 4. The legislature; 5. Representation; 6. Head of state; 7. Constitutional revision; Part III. Democracy and the Rule of Law: 8. Courts and the judiciary; 9. The suspension of constitutional power; 10. Devolution; Conclusion: postmodernity and constitutionalism; Appendix: chronology of constitutional events in the Asia Pacific; Bibliography; Index.

'In this very interesting book, the authors investigate the various forms that constitutional arrangements assume in the Asia-Pacific … the highly useful appendix … and the comprehensive bibliography also contribute to make the book a precious reference work for students and researchers in, and out of, the field of Asian Studies. But the most relevant contribution is methodological and consists of the authors clearly stressing he fact that there is little insight to be gained from the mere juxtaposition of legal principles and institutions without taking into account the historical, philosophical and human circumstances to which they respond and which affect their operation and significance. This multidisciplinary and contextual approach is just what is needed to investigate any kind of social phenomena across cultures.' Political Studies Review