New Books Network Stephen Huard, "Calibrated Engagement: Chronicles of Local Politics in the Heartland of Myanmar" (Berghahn Books, 2024)
Nov 1, 2025
Stéphen Huard, an anthropologist at the French Institute of Research for Development, delves into village leadership in Myanmar's central dry zone. He introduces the concept of 'calibrated engagement' to highlight how local leaders interact and negotiate power dynamics. Stéphen contrasts two villages to explore differing narratives of identity and hierarchy. He critiques global models of hierarchy, discusses the masculine nature of leadership roles, and connects his findings to the emergence of new local movements post-2021 coup. A fascinating exploration of local politics!
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Fieldwork Rooted In Land Projects
- Huard traced his interest to ethnographic work on land projects in the dry zone during Myanmar's transition period.
- Long-term fieldwork with a young elected headman enabled deep access to village leadership dynamics.
Pre-Colonial Roots Matter
- Huard goes back to pre-colonial institutions to challenge the idea of a colonial rupture.
- He uses archives and local toponyms to reveal continuities and contestations shaping village authority.
Comparative Villages Reveal Rival Histories
- Juxtaposing two neighbouring villages revealed enduring rivalry and distinct claims to indigeneity.
- Comparing Mimolong and Goji clarifies how different origin stories shape contemporary status and politics.
