OMKAR L. SHRESTHA and AEKAPOL CHONGVILAIVAN, eds. Greater Mekong Subregion: From Geographical to Socio-economic Integration. Singapore: ISEAS Publishing, 2013, xvi+270p.

Abstract

Greater Mekong Subregion: From Geographical to Socio-economic Integration OMKAR L. SHRESTHA and AEKAPOL CHONGVILAIVAN, eds. Singapore: ISEAS Publishing, 2013, xvi+270p.The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), arguably the most glittering development opportunity in Asia, is steadily attracting an international audience. After a period of mistrust and instability, the subregion has been the stage for a number of successful development stories as well as a few failures. When peace prevailed over the conflicts that divided its peoples, an unprecedented wave of regionalizing efforts in the entire area enticed many foreign institutions into investing in the development of the GMS. Given the peculiar situation characterizing most of the bloc's countries, the first priority was that of upgrading the existing infrastructure and building new links in order to improve the spatial connectivity of the subregion. In other words, priority was given to geo- graphical integration through the abatement of physical barriers.With this book, a collection of selected papers presented at the eponymous conference organ- ized by ISEAS in Singapore in 2010, the editors attempted to present the events that have charac- terized the development of the GMS during the last two decades, with an overarching focus on the transition from geographical to socio-economic integration that the subregion is undergoing. The book is divided into two parts: the first is country-specific and aims to discuss some of the emerg- ing issues from a national perspective (chapters 2-7); the second is thematic and each chapter aims to look at single issues from a subregional perspective (chapters 8-12).Larry Strange (chapter 2) provides the reader with a very simple, yet exhaustive and persua- sive description of the events that have characterized Cambodia's development over the last few decades. The analysis of the new development paradigm after 1998 and of the response subsequent to the 2008-9 global economic crisis is very accurate, and praises the timeliness and the appropri- ateness of the government's policies during this period. Unfortunately, the author fails to acknowl- edge some systemic flaws that hinder a more thorough incorporation of Cambodia into the GMS scheme, while giving too much attention to Cambodia's relation with ASEAN, China, and the rest of the world. Cambodia's strength in the GMS is weighed mainly in terms of its advantageous geopolitical location, which might produce economic benefits in the future. While remaining chal- lenges and weaknesses are acknowledged, the conclusion is indeed not conclusive, as it does not properly consider the GMS context. It simplistically states that the country's future lies in exiting the vicious circle of aid-dependency and in graduating from LDC-status (Least Developed Country) in order to eventually distribute more equitably the national wealth.Oudet Souvannavong (chapter 3) provides a good overview of recent development indicators in Lao PDR, although almost all of them are macroeconomic. Too much attention is given to government policies, and the author fails to explain with concrete cases how such governmental intentions are implemented on the ground, nor what people's reactions to them are. Policy sug- gestions presented within the chapter are simplistic, and the tables shown lack units and could be clearer. However, the overall image of the country in the GMS context is very clear and objectively drawn: inadequate education, weak exports, unfriendly business environment, corruption, poor infrastructure, low population density, urban-rural divide, and the omnipresent lack of the rule of law are arguably the biggest obstacles hindering a more constructive participation of the country in development programs. The author also clearly identifies the country's strengths, such as the huge hydropower potential and a young population, and provides very down-to-earth policy sug- gestions on cross-border customs operations and the transit system, specific infrastructural proj- ects, special economic zones, electricity for domestic consumption, a national rail grid to transport raw materials, smart agriculture (i. …