Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World

From the internationally bestselling writer, a vibrant telling of the first modern war of decolonization and its dramatic legacy for the rest of the world. In the wake of World War II, Indonesia was the first country to rid itself of colonial rule. The “Revolusi,” as it was known, precipitated the end of the colonial era and inspired independence movements all over the world. In this epic history, renowned scholar and celebrated author of Congo David Van Reybrouck vividly captures a period of extraordinary tumult and chaos to tell the story of Indonesia’s violent and momentous revolution. Encompassing several hundred years of history, he details the formation of the Dutch East Indies, the Japanese invasion that followed, and the young rebels who engaged in armed resistance once the occupation ended. British, Australian, and Dutch troops were sent to restore order and keep peace, but instead ignited the first modern war of decolonization. Written with extraordinary clarity and drama, and based on hundreds of interviews and eyewitness testimonies, Revolusi is a masterful history that reframes our understanding of post-colonialism. 6 maps and illustrations