Myanmar under the NLD: New Government, New Ways?

• In Event: 325. The Center Cannot Hold? Trends in Southeast Asian Politics. Sponsored by the Critical Asian Studies Journal

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which the recent installation of the popularly elected government in Myanmar has changed the nature of relationship between ethnic minorities and central government. Some pundits are optimistic, given the higher level of trust and legitimacy enjoyed by the NLD to lead peace talks and negotiation between the state and non-state ethnic armed groups. Others, however, contend that the NLD, which like earlier military regimes is dominated by the Burman majority, would be less interested in addressing the grievances of ethnic minorities than in changing the constitutional amendments to reduce the role of military in politics and to expand the power of Aung San Suu Kyi. This paper compares official policies toward ethnic minorities under the USDP (2011—2015) and NLD (2016—) governments and highlights a number of challenges for national reconciliation in Myanmar. I argue that drastic and dramatic policy differences are unlikely to occur due to the military’s continuing involvement in politics, and the NLD’s lack of understanding and experiences in dealing with complex ethnic issues.

Author

• Ardeth Maung Thawnghmung, University of Massachusetts, Lowell