People

Silverstein began his academic career at Wesleyan University and later moved to Rutgers University, where he worked until his retirement as professor emeritus in 1992. Silverstein's fieldwork included a Fulbright Scholarship in Rangoon in 1955 and academic positions in Burma, Malaysia, and Singapore. Silverstein's focus on democracy and human rights in Myanmar led to his exclusion from the country for much of his career. He often met with opposition groups along the borders with Thailand and China, advising on federalism and constitutional law.