Defect Or Defend

Brief Summary

Defect or Defend by Terence Lee provides a thorough examination of the military's crucial role during transitional phases of political regime change. Using four case studies from Asia, Lee explores why some militaries choose to support political liberalization while others suppress popular demonstrations. The book contrasts successful uprisings in the Philippines and Indonesia, which enlisted military backing, with the repressive outcomes in China and Burma. Lee extends his analysis to democratization efforts in Eastern Europe, the Colored Revolutions, and recent protests in the Middle East, making this work a substantive resource for understanding the dynamics of defense forces in political transformation.

Main Themes and Topics

The principal theme of Defect or Defend is the decisive role of military forces during transitional political movements. Terence Lee investigates why some militaries defect from authoritarian rule to support democratizing forces while others staunchly defend the regime. His theory of "high personalism" serves as a framework for analyzing how leadership styles and power-sharing arrangements within the military impact their responses to popular protests. The book provides keen insights into instances when social movements either succeeded or failed, underscoring the varied outcomes based on military decisions.

Writing Style and Tone

Terence Lee employs an analytical and accessible writing style, combining detailed case study analysis with theoretical perspectives. His tone is scholarly yet engaging, effectively bridging rigorous research with narratives that capture the complexities of military involvement in political transitions. The academic yet lucid presentation ensures that the book remains a valuable read for both students and scholars, as well as policymakers interested in security and international relations.

Criticism

While Defect or Defend is praised for its in-depth analysis and comprehensive case studies, some critics might point to the book's dense theoretical exposition as challenging for general readers not well-versed in political science literature. Additionally, while Lee's focus on formal case studies provides strong insights, broader conclusions may be limited by the concentrated geographic scope primarily on Asian nations despite the comparative review of global events.