The armed forces in Myanmar politics : a terminating role?
While Myanmar's constitution under which the current government of President Thein Sein was created in 2011 has all the characteristics expected of a modern republic, the continued autonomy and political role of the armed forces are perceived by opponents of the regime as an anomaly. Despite this apparent anomaly, the speed and thoroughness with which the transition from military authoritarian rule to most, if not all, of the features expected of a system of ""democratic"" rule has surprised most observers and analysts of the current Myanmar situation. The root of their surprise comes from their seeing the transformation as being driven by either endogenous or exogenous forces outside the historical experience and understandings of the leadership of the Myanmar armed forces. However, it is in the history of the armed forces and its role in protecting the state from threats to its internal security, territorial integrity, and external security that the basis of the transformation can be found. Also, ensuring the continued viability of the armed forces and the security of its leadership and integrity is also a continuous concern. The twenty years between the annulled 1990 general election won by the NLD, and the 2010 general election, boycotted by the NLD and won by the army-generated USDP, were spent by the armed forces creating the conditions which allowed the later transition from military to constitutional rule to take place.
Myanmar/Burma: Background, Economic Conditions, and Tourism
Linguistic similarities indicate it is likely there was some immigration in ancient times into Myanmar/Burma from parts of India, Nepal, and Tibet. From an early time, Buddhism has been an important part of the country’s culture, and eventually, the Theravada form came to dominate. In addition to Mon-controlled civilizations, early kingdoms in the country included the Pyu, Bagan, and Ava. Military leaders who consolidated power and helped create the modern country include Tabinshweti, Bayinnaung, and Alaungpaya. Ethnic divisions have plagued the country for decades and might have been exacerbated by becoming a British colony. Upon independence, the country became a democracy led by U Nu, who tried to use a political philosophy built upon Buddhist and socialist ideals to govern the country. Dissatisfaction with the direction of the country resulted in a military-led government using the “Burmese way to socialism” as an economic foundation. The economy stagnated during the military rule which appears to be being replaced by a limited form of democracy. Despite optimism brought by the economic and political reforms, the country remains relatively poor with many challenges to overcome to accelerate economic growth. It is proposed an increased role of tourism in the country could have positive effects on economic growth and poverty reduction.
Promoting Human Rights in Burma: A Critique of Western Sanctions Policy
Introduction: The Burmese Conundrum Chapter 1: Western Human Rights Policy Chapter 2: Regime Priorities and Perceptions Chapter 3: Domestic Balance of Power Chapter 4: Transitional Challenges Chapter 5: Assessing Sanctions Conclusion: A Better Way to Human Rights in Burma