Uncover the intricate dynamics of Myanmar’s political transformation in McCarthy’s insightful study. This book reveals how the state outsourced social welfare responsibilities to non-state actors during market reforms, exacerbating inequality and reshaping resistance movements. Explore the complex role of philanthropy used by powerful figures and the grassroots push for self-reliance amidst democratic challenges. Essential reading for students of political science, development economics, and Asian governance, it offers critical perspectives on distributive politics and the lasting impact of non-state welfare in a nation navigating authoritarianism.