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The Paradox of Myanmar Regime Change: Routledge, City University of Hong Kong

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Published in The Paradox Of Myanmar S Regime Change (Routledge/City University Of Hong Kong Southeast Asia Series)

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The Paradox of Myanmar's Regime Change (Routledge/City University of Hong Kong Southeast Asia Series)

by Sharon Dunn

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has a long and complex history of political upheaval and military dictatorship. After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1948, the country experienced a period of democratic governance that was cut short by a military coup in 1962. The military regime, known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC),ruled Myanmar with an iron fist for nearly five decades.

In 2011, the SLORC began a process of political liberalization that led to the release of political prisoners, the relaxation of media censorship, and the holding of elections in 2015. These elections were won by the National League for Democracy (NLD),led by Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who had been under house arrest for much of the previous two decades.

The NLD's victory was seen as a major step forward in Myanmar's transition to democracy. However, the military still retains significant power in the country, and the new government has faced a number of challenges, including ongoing ethnic conflicts, economic inequality, and a lack of rule of law.

The paradox of Myanmar's regime change is that, while the country has made significant progress towards democracy, it remains incomplete. The military still plays a dominant role in politics, and the new government faces a number of challenges that could threaten to derail the country's democratic transition.

The Military's Role in Myanmar's Regime Change

The military has been the dominant force in Myanmar's politics since the 1962 coup. The SLORC ruled the country for nearly five decades, and even after the transition to democratic rule in 2011, the military retains significant power.

The military's role in Myanmar's regime change is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, the military has been a source of stability in a country that has been plagued by ethnic conflicts and political violence. On the other hand, the military has also been responsible for human rights abuses and the suppression of democracy.

The military's continued presence in Myanmar's politics is a source of tension and uncertainty. It is unclear whether the military is committed to a democratic transition, or whether it will eventually seek to regain control of the government.

The National League for Democracy and Aung San Suu Kyi

The National League for Democracy (NLD) is the largest opposition party in Myanmar. The party was founded in 1988 by Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who became a symbol of democracy and resistance against the military regime.

The NLD won the 2015 elections by a landslide, and Aung San Suu Kyi became the country's first civilian leader in more than five decades. However, the NLD's victory was not a complete victory for democracy. The military still holds a significant amount of power, and Aung San Suu Kyi has faced a number of challenges, including ongoing ethnic conflicts and a lack of rule of law.

Aung San Suu Kyi is a controversial figure. She is admired by many for her courage and determination, but she has also been criticized for her authoritarian tendencies and her failure to improve the human rights situation in Myanmar.

The Challenges of Democratic Transition

Myanmar's transition to democracy is facing a number of challenges, including:

The military's continued presence in politics
Ongoing ethnic conflicts
Economic inequality
A lack of rule of law
Human rights abuses

These challenges will be difficult to overcome, and there is no guarantee that Myanmar will be able to achieve a stable and democratic government.

The Future of Myanmar

The future of Myanmar is uncertain. The country faces a number of challenges that could threaten to derail its democratic transition. However, there is also reason for hope. The NLD government has made some progress in addressing the country's challenges, and the military seems to be committed to a peaceful transition.

Myanmar's future will ultimately depend on the choices made by its people and leaders. If the country can overcome its challenges and build a stable and democratic government, it has the potential to become a prosperous and successful nation.

References

Cheesman, N. (2016). Myanmar in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects for Democratic Transition. Routledge.
Lintner, B. (2015). Aung San Suu Kyi and the Struggle for Democracy in Burma. Yale University Press.

The Paradox of Myanmar's Regime Change (Routledge/City University of Hong Kong Southeast Asia Series)

by Sharon Dunn

5 out of 5