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Burma Project

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    Civil Society Gaining Ground

    Local organisations have adopted different strategies towards the authoritarian government in Burma. Focussing on the dynamics of civil society Tom Kramer looks into the possibilities and risks of growing international interest in engagement with these groups.

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  • International community must support non‐military solutions in northern Myanmar

    Following new eruptions of violence in northern Myanmar, civil society organizations have issued a statement calling for urgent international engagement and dialogue to support non-military solutions. 

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  • Ethnic Conflict in Burma

    Whilst a twenty year ceasefire still holds, there is unlikely to be peace and democracy in Burma without a political settlement that addresses ethnic minority needs and goals. The joint Transnational Institute - Burma Center Netherlands aims to stimulate strategic thinking to address ethnic conflict in Burma and give a voice to ethnic nationality groups who have until now been ignored and isolated within the international debate on the country.

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  • Drugs and Conflict in Burma

    Burma/Myanmar is undergoing yet another humanitarian crisis while entering a new critical political stage. In the Kokang region, an opium ban was enforced in 2003, and since mid-2005 no more poppy growing has been allowed in the Wa region. Banning opium in these Shan State regions where most of the Burmese opiates were produced, adds another chapter to the long and dramatic history of drugs, conflict and human suffering.

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  • Background Info

    TNI's work on Burma began in 2003 as part of our Drugs and Democracy programme, through an investigation of opium farming in the country, but has since extended through our partnership with the Burma Center Netherlands to analysis more exclusively focused on the country's long-standing ethnic conflict.

     

     

     

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News and Publications

Amphetamine Type Stimulants and Harm Reduction
Tom Blickman
 October 2011

Little is known about the methamphetamine market in the region, but there are strong indications that the situation is deteriorating with substances becoming stronger, methods of use more harmful and the number of users steadily increasing. There is an urgent need for donors and governments to introduce effective harm reduction measures.

Drug Policy Briefing Nr. 37
Conflict or Peace? Ethnic Unrest Intensifies in Burma
June 2011

The breakdown in the ceasefire of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) with the central government represents a major failure in national politics and threatens to escalate to serious humanitarian crisis if not immediately addressed.

Burma's New Government: Prospects for Governance and Peace in Ethnic States
May 2011
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What are the prospects for Burma's quasi-civilian government effectively addressing the country's ethnic minority grievances and resolving the multiple, decades-long conflicts?

TNI-BCN Burma Policy Briefing Nr 6, May 2011
Burma's Longest War: Anatomy of the Karen Conflict
Ashley South March 2011

As Burma enters a period of political transition, the role of the Karen ethnic communities will be critical in responding to the political and economic challenges that will shape their future. An in-depth history and analysis of the Karen's complex relationship with the Burmese state and central government.

Ethnic Politics in Burma: The Time for Solutions
February 2011

Following the shake-up of Burmese politics last year, the country's military leaders now face the challenge of introducing a new system while ethnic tensions and exclusions remain.

TNI-BCN Burma Policy Briefing Nr 5, February 2011
A Changing Ethnic Landscape: Analysis of Burma's 2010 Polls
December 2010

"Burma is at a critical juncture in its history. The transition to a form of civilian government and constitutional rule is underway, however imperfect it may be."

TNI-BCN Burma Policy Briefing Nr 4, December 2010
Unlevel Playing Field: Burma’s Election Landscape
September 2010

"Opposition parties participating in the process view boycotting the elections as a strategic mistake. The only way forward for them is to play a better game of chess, making the best strategic use of the limited space available."

TNI-BCN Burma Policy Briefing Nr 3, October 2010
Burma’s 2010 Elections: Challenges and Opportunities
June 2010

The election process in Burma represents the most significant political transformation for a generation

TNI-BCN Burma Policy Briefing Nr 2, June 2010
Burma in 2010: A Critical Year in Ethnic Politics
June 2010

Resolution of Burma's longstanding ethnic crises is integral to the achievement of real peace, democracy and constitutional government

TNI-BCN Burma Policy Briefing Nr 1, June 2010
Burma's Cease-fires at Risk
Tom Kramer
 September 2009

In August the Burma army occupied the Kokang region after several days of fighting, ending two decades of cease-fire with the ethnic minority group. The resumption of fighting in northern Burma raises speculation about the other cease-fires. Tensions are rising and the cease-fire groups have put their armed forces on high alert.

TNI's Peace and Security Briefing no 1
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