What are the political and economic challenges facing Myanmar as it opens to the world? And what are the opportunities and responsibilities for the international community to influence and also invest in the country?
This book aims to provide readers with an assessment that integrates analysis with on-the-ground experience and insights, drawn from closely engaging with Myanmar since the country began to move towards democracy and open to the world. In order for readers to appreciate emerging trends and developments, the book evaluates the efforts of the recent Thein Sein administration and current National League of Democracy government up to the present day. It also identifies key events from the colonial period through to the decades when the country was under military rule, cut off from much of the international community. The on-going crisis in Myanmar's Rakhine State and the controversial situation of the Rohingya are examined at length, with an effort to contextualise these events in wider challenges of geopolitics and national reforms to rehabilitate the government and the economy.
The book presents readers with a clear view of how the country might progress beyond current obstacles, and highlights the opportunities that remain for those willing to engage constructively for the longer term in the opening of this frontier economy and once-pariah state. As Myanmar moves ahead with its transition to democracy and with economic development, this book is recommended for both those who watch the country with interest and those who consider the ways in which the international community interacts with the region and Myanmar.
Readership: Myanmar watchers and those with a casual interest in the region.
Author(s): Simon S C Tay
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
Year: 2020
Language: English
Pages: 476
City: Singapore
Contents
List of Figures and Diagrams
Chapter 1 Myanmar and the World — From Cox’s Bazar to the Western Capitals
A Quiet, Grand Room in Naypyidaw
A Jammed Yangon Junction
The Road from Mandalay
Engaging Myanmar First Hand
What This Book Hopes to Offer
Chapter 2 From Pariah to Frontier Economy
A Pariah State and Its New President
The Start of Something
International Engagement, American Hugs
Changing Relations with China
From International Applause to Investments
Bumps on the Road
An Early End and Initial Assessments
Chapter 3 Democracy’s Victory and the Uncertainties of Governing
A Hollywood Ending and After
Living with the Generals
From Opposing to Governing
Managing the New Democracy
Chapter 4 Economic Reform: Finding Direction, Moving Forward
The Road to Thilawa
“Something More for My Country”
Better Late than Never
From Cronies to Tycoons
Problems Won’t Wait
New Emphasis and Impetus
Chapter 5 Shifting Images of the Golden Land
How the British Made and UnMade Burma
Divide the Conquered
Nationalism and Independence, the Buddhist- Burmese Way
A Moment of Possible Unity, and the Bright Comet of Democracy
The Tatmadaw and the Nation
What Burma Missed
A Summer of Democracy
The Lady, the Generals and the 1990 Elections
Chapter 6 The Simple and Complex Rohingya Crisis
Holding the Tatmadaw to Account
Tangled Troubled Histories
A Quiet Discussion of Terrible Things
Whatever We Can Do is Not Enough
Chapter 7 Geopolitics and the Rohingya: Managing the Unsolved
American Attitudes and the Absent Tweet
China’s New Silk Road and New Silk Glove
Regional Voice and Influence
Managing the Unsolvable
What the West Should Do, and Not Do
What China Can Do
ASEAN, Japan and Other Asian Neighbours
The Courage to be Realistic
Chapter 8 Beyond a Hollywood Ending
Pushing an Economic Agenda
From Low Cost to Middle Class and High-End: Is Transformation Possible?
Towards the 2020 Elections
Transformation or Incremental Change
Partners, Engagement and Investment
Between Japan and China
At the Border with China
Conclusion: A Broader Lens, Deeper Understanding and Continuing Engagement
Acknowledgements
Appendices
Appendix A Annotated Bibliography
Appendix B The Thilawa Special Economic Zone
Appendix C Changes between Myanmar Companies Act 1914 and Myanmar Companies Law 2017
Appendix D List of Major Economic Reforms Undertaken by the NLD
