Scholars puzzle over the conditions that make rule of law development in authoritarian settings successful. In this significant contribution, focusing on the decade of Myanmar's political transformation, Kristina Simion explores rule of law assistance through the practice and experience of intermediaries, their capital, strategies and challenges. How do intermediaries influence the field, and the ways in which the rule of law is brokered transnationally? And why do they matter? Simion relates her research to law and sociology to bring to light these neglected players, focusing on who they are, the influence they have, their double agency and their crucial importance in establishing trust and translating rule of law. Relying on rich empirical data collected in Myanmar, the book shares the voices of the individuals that help to steer societal change within authoritarian confines. This socio-legal work offers some insights into why rule of law change in authoritarian settings often does not go expected ways, one of the development field's long unresolved issues.

‘Rule of Law Intermediaries offers a rich account of the complex arrangements that comprise rule of law assistance. Simion's engaging analysis sheds new light on the influence of intermediaries in Myanmar, and the networks they navigate. With its descriptive prose and ethnographic depth, Rule of Law Intermediaries provides a vivid illustration of transnational law in action, and makes an important contribution to the study of development, law and society.'

Kathryn Henne - Director, School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), The Australian National University

‘With nuance and refined analysis, Rule of Law Intermediaries skilfully champions a necessary shift in orientations to the globalisation of law – from naïve expectations about the power of international agents to the actualities of influence wielded by creative local actors. By shifting focus from international expertises to the singular knowledges and practices of intermediaries, this book compels scholars and policymakers alike to grapple more seriously with the dynamic mediating processes that moderate international hubris and legal change.'

Terence Halliday - American Bar Foundation, and co-author of Global Lawmakers: International Organizations in the Crafting of World Markets

‘Rule of Law Intermediaries is a rich and readable scholarly gem. There is no book like it. In addition to original and compelling insights into the burgeoning rule of law industry and its actors, it also adds a fresh perspective to the literature on legal globalisation and to the study of the politics of law in Myanmar.'

Bryant G. Garth - Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus, University of California–Irvine

‘As with all good social science publications, Simion’s results lend themselves to application in other contexts andregions and are thus of value beyond serving as historical documentation of a short period that is, indeterminately, in the past.’

Judith Beyer Source: Zeitschrift für Rechtssoziologie