ABSTRACT
In the first part of Chapter 12, Brunei, the political history of the country is recounted since it achieved self-governance in 1959, ending British administration. This account includes a brief history of Brunei’s absolute monarchy to the present and the state’s governing ideology of Malay Islamic Beraja (MIB), or Malay Muslim Monarchy. The latter part of the chapter begins with an examination of the country’s key political institutions and social groups, namely the sultanate, military, and the country’s now defunct political parties. A section devoted to state-society relations and democracy follows which examines Brunei’s autonomous state, society’s lack of political and civil liberties, and the state’s generous social welfare provisions funded by oil wealth. A brief examination of the country’s economy and development follows noting that Brunei’s declining oil reserves have necessitated a major push for yet-to-be realized economic diversification into tourism, technology, and other industries. The chapter closes with an overview of Brunei’s foreign policy including its relations with regional powers, ASEAN, and the United States. A map of Brunei is in included geographical reference.
