Author: Thant Myint-U
Affiliation: Independent Burmese Historian
Organisation/Publisher: Foreign Affairs
Date/Place: July/August 2021/USA
Type of Literature: Article
Word Count: 5000
Keywords: Myanmar, Coup, Army
Brief:
The February coup by the military junta in Myanmar has caused economic destruction and systemic failure. Pro-democracy protests and strikes have pervaded across the country, something that the military junta did not consider before it seized power. The junta has waited for the protests to melt down by themselves. But the protests have in time transformed into a civil disobedience movement. This is the first-time people have rioted against the military junta after the 8888 Uprising (aka People Power Uprising and the 1988 Uprising) which was started by students against the military-based government. On the other hand, increasing armed conflicts between the army and ethnic armed groups, economic downturn, and protests by health care providers and administrative staff could lead the country to becoming a failed state. The author remarks that this revolution could help to save Myanmar from becoming a failed state if the right steps are taken. The author offers four suggestions to save Myanmar from the impending disaster. First, the UN security council’s resolution for the peaceful transition to an elected civilian government in Myanmar. Diplomatic cooperation between China and the US can ensure international cooperation. Second, foreign powers should support not only democracy but a broad transformation of Myanmar’s politics and society. Third, foreign aid should be based on an appreciation of Myanmar’s peerless (isolationist) history. Fourth, foreign governments should help the poor and vulnerable populations as much as possible.
By: Esra Ibrahimagaoglu, CIGA Research Intern
