Tamas Wells is a Research Fellow in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on meanings of democracy, governance, freedom and accountability in Southeast Asia and the role of international aid agencies. Before entering academia, he worked in Myanmar for six years with various NGOs - including Save the Children - on governance, public health and civil society strengthening programs.

• Abbreviations, Acknowledgements, 1 Introduction, 2 Elucidating the meaning of democracy through narrative, 3 Toward the 'Ocean of Democracy'?, 4 Burma after independence, 5 A liberal narrative, 6 A benevolence narrative, 7 An equality narrative, 8 Exposing the political use of narratives, 9 Beyond an 'ideal type', 10 Playing different games, Index