ARTICLES

9 Jul 2021

K-pop Activism: A Potent Political Force

Dorcas Gan

K-pop activism is a growing phenomenon in Southeast Asia, serving as an alternative means of political mobilisation and expression among tech-savvy youth.

6 Jul 2021

Myanmar’s Garment Industry After the Coup: Threadbare and in Tatters

Su-Ann Oh

Five months after the February coup, the future of Myanmar's garment industry hangs by a thread.

COVID-19 Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Military

30 Jun 2021

Sino-Myanmar Ties: “Pauk Phaw” Relationship or For China’s Benefit?

Courtney T. Wittekind

China and Myanmar are said to have a “pauk phaw” or fraternal relationship. Many people in Myanmar, however, are clear-eyed about the limits of the bond.

Aung San Suu Kyi China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

16 Jun 2021

Ethnic Armed Organisations in Post-Coup Myanmar: New Conversations Needed

Andrew Ong

The widespread attacks on Tatmadaw troops by resistance forces have raised speculation that Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) could serve as a “wild card” that might decide the country’s fate. This is premature and creates a false impression of unity in intent.

Myanmar Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics

16 Jun 2021

Post-Coup Myanmar: Alternative Education Models Urgently Needed

Courtney T. Wittekind

Myanmar’s educational sector is turning out to be a new front in an ensuing battle between the country’s Civil Disobedience Movement and the military junta. Outside of the state-run education system, however, the number of viable options for students are few and far between.

Aung San Suu Kyi Education Myanmar

14 Jun 2021

The United States and the Myanmar Crisis: Broad Interests, Constricted Responses

Robert Sutter

The United States has leaned heavily on traditional policy instruments, primarily sanctions, to manage the political crisis in Myanmar. Currently, it remains unclear if Washington will go beyond the limited scope of past practice.

Myanmar Myanmar Politics U.S. Foreign Policy

14 Jun 2021

The Myanmar Challenge to ASEAN

Choi Shing Kwok

Recent developments have shown how fragile and tricky ASEAN’s quest to help Myanmar will be.

ASEAN ASEAN Unity Myanmar

4 Jun 2021

Brunei’s Visit to Myanmar: No Time to Run Down the Clock

Evan A. Laksmana

A team from Brunei is reportedly visiting Myanmar this weekend. The aims of the visit are yet unclear. Still, Brunei, as ASEAN Chair, should first announce the identity of the grouping’s Special Envoy to the country and empower him or her with the necessary resources to carry out the task at hand.

ASEAN Brunei Myanmar

28 May 2021

Crisis upon Crisis: Fighting COVID-19 Becomes a Political Struggle after Myanmar’s Military Coup

Courtney T. Wittekind

In the aftermath of Myanmar’s coup, a nationwide strike by civil servants and lack of trust in the military regime that staged the February 1 takeover has reversed the country’s hard-won progress in the fight against COVID-19. The potential spread of the virus amongst protestors could accelerate the system-wide collapse of the already fragile health sector.

COVID-19 Myanmar Myanmar Politics

24 May 2021

Military Rule in Myanmar: Parsing the Propaganda

Courtney T. Wittekind

Critics of the Myanmar military should not be too quick in dismissing its propaganda. A closer examination reveals the junta’s priorities and strategy.

Myanmar Myanmar Politics