Ending 50 years of military rule
Ending 50 years of military rule? Prospects for peace, democracy and development in Burma
Burma has been under military rule since 1962. However, in 2011 a new political system was introduced and a new military-backed government inaugurated that has reached out to the democratic opposition and armed ethnic opposition groups seeking more autonomy. Both of these groups reject the new constitution, which seeks to entrench the army’s power.
Burma has been under military rule since 1962. However, in 2011 a new political system was introduced and a new military-backed government inaugurated that has reached out to the democratic opposition and armed ethnic opposition groups seeking more autonomy. Both of these groups reject the new constitution, which seeks to entrench the army’s power.
The thaw in the repressive climate of Burma was epitomised by by-elections held in April 2012 in which the opposition National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, scored a resounding victory. President Thein Sein’s government has also reached initial peace agreements with most armed groups. But the challenges faced by a reformed Burmese state remain vast, while serious doubts remain as to the real commitment of military and business leaders to a thoroughgoing process of democratisation and accountability.
Current talks must lead to political dialogue to address ethnic issues, which remain the principle sources of conflict. Furthermore, although Burma is rich in resources, the country is extremely poor. Acknowledging the reform effort, the West has reversed its sanctions policy, and there is great interest in engaging with Burma in the political and economic spheres. However, regulations to manage foreign investment are weak, raising questions about prospects for sustainable and equitable economic development, especially in the contested and conflict-prone borderlands.
photo by abrinsky
About the authors
Tom Kramer
Tom Kramer (1968) is a political scientist and with over 15-years of working experience on Burma and its border regions, which he has visited regularly since 1993.
His work focuses on developing a better understanding of the drugs market in the region as a whole, the relationship between production and consumption, and alternative development (AD). Together with the Drugs and Democracy Programme, Kramer has created a regional network of local researchers, and is also carrying out advocacy towards policy makers in the region for more sustainable and human drug policies.
Since 2005 Kramer also works on Afghanistan, with a focus onthe relationship between drugs & conflict, and the involvement of western security forces in counter narcotic activities. Apart from his work for TNI, he is also a writer and freelance consultant, specializing on ethnic conflict and civil society in Burma. He has carried out field research and written reports for a wide range of international NGOs, institutes and UN organisations.
Recent publications from Burma Project
Burma’s Ethnic Challenge: From Aspirations to Solutions“Important steps have been made in national reconciliation during the past two years. But promises and ceremonies will never be enough. The long-standing aspirations of Burma’s peoples for peace and justice must find solutions during the present time of national transition.” |
Access Denied: Land Rights and Ethnic Conflict in BurmaThe new land and investment laws benefit large corporate investors and not small- holder farmers, especially in ethnic minority regions, and do not take into account land rights of ethnic communities. |
Political Reform in Burma/Myanmar and Consequences for Ethnic ConflictWhile there have been undeniably positive trends in Burma over the past year, these have not yet been translated into ethnic peace and justice. |
The Kachin Crisis: Peace Must PrevailAs 2012 progressed, perceptions of the real nature of change under the Thein Sein government were challenged by a series of disturbing events in which serious violence and mass displacement of civilians occurred in several parts of the country. |
