ISP-Myanmar | Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar

ISP Publications

#FreeMinZin Information Hub

Min Zin was wrongfully detained on June 3, 2026, while traveling to Kunming, China, to attend an academic workshop. ISP-Myanmar calls for his immediate and unconditional release. This #FreeMinZin information hub brings together news reports and articles covering Min Zin’s case, official statements and open letters calling for his release, and other relevant information. This page will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

Analysis

17 Aug 2026

Recap Memo

As Education Is a Sea, as Vast as Human Destiny!

Access to basic education in Myanmar was once a safe and predictable trajectory. No matter the hardship, basic literacy was a given, and primary schooling remained well within reach for the vast majority. Today, however, amid pervasive insecurity, anxiety, uncertainty, poverty, and political dysfunction, families are being forced to forfeit access not just to higher education, but to basic schooling itself.

10 Jul 2026

Analysis

The Group Before the Self: Collectivism, Rights Suppression, and the Limits of Human Rights Agency in Myanmar

The very resistance movement that emerged to defend democracy and human rights has, in certain dimensions, reproduced the same collectivist disciplinary logic it ostensibly opposes.

9 Jul 2026

Opinion

Managing the Margins: China’s Risk Calculus in Myanmar’s Civil War

This paper attempts an explanation using a risk-management assessment approach. It posits that China engages with EAOs in Myanmar based on risk management, which is actor-specific, time-bound and reversible since its primary goals are border stability and safeguarding its strategic and economic interests in Myanmar.

The State of Myanmar: ISP–Myanmar’s Annual Strategic Review and Foresight 2025–2026

This report examines the defining events of 2025, maps potential scenarios for 2026, and identifies the strategic trajectories that demand attention. This report will analyse unsparingly and precisely using the best data available.

ISP Events

As Education Is a Sea, as Vast as Human Destiny!

Access to basic education in Myanmar was once a safe and predictable trajectory. No matter the hardship, basic literacy was a given, and primary schooling remained well within reach for the vast majority. Today, however, amid pervasive insecurity, anxiety, uncertainty, poverty, and political dysfunction, families are being forced to forfeit access not just to higher education, but to basic schooling itself.

How to Navigate Myanmar’s Energy and Fuel Crisis?

The ongoing fuel crisis is falling disproportionately on grassroots communities and the working class. The wider implications are considerable. Economic growth could slow further, poverty could deepen, and the risks of outright economic collapse or prolonged structural decline cannot be ruled out.

The Impact of the Conflict Economy: The Fragmented Land of Karen State

Now, eight decades after the revolution began, it appears they are destroying their own identity and characteristics due to the conflict economy.

February 28, 2026

The Impact of the Conflict Economy: The Scars of Northern Shan

When people face such dire situations, they initially voice their dissatisfaction and protest ("Voice"). When that fails to bring change, they simply abandon the region and leave ("Exit"). If they cannot leave, they are forced to silently endure and adapt to the system ("Loyalty"). Like vegetables thrown into a jar of pickles, they turn sour alongside everything else—doing whatever it takes, chasing the money, and simply surviving.

January 17, 2026

The Narcotics Domestication: Myanmar’s Next Generation at Risk

ISP-Myanmar’s records indicate the authorities seized only around three tons of opium and related products that year—an official seizure rate of roughly 0.3 percent of estimated production.

October 18, 2025

The Spirit is Willing, but the Flesh is Weak

In this episode of 30 Minutes with the ISP, we presented and discussed, from a research perspective and based on our survey data, the public's resilience amid domestic trade route blockades.

Data Gallery

Education Budget Remains Depressed

5.7 Million Children Still Denied Basic Education

The Cascading Barriers to Education in Myanmar

Nine Percent of Lost Territories Recaptured by the MAF

Influence Over Domestic Armed Groups

Infrastructure and Connectivity, Diplomacy and Influence (Soft Power)

ISP Mapping

issue:M2026-022, 5 Aug 2026

Nine Percent of Lost Territories Recaptured by the MAF

Having lost 101 towns since the 2021 coup, the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) recaptured 22 towns between 2024 and June 2026.

issue:M2026-021, 5 Jun 2026

Resistance Forces’ Control Areas Expanded After Operation 1027

Due to Operation 1027 and subsequent battles, Myanmar Armed Force has suffered significant territorial losses across the country.

issue:M2026-020, 5 Jun 2026

Kyar Phyant Scam Continues Their Operations

After crackdowns on Kyar Phyant (online scam) compounds such as Shwe Kokko and KK Park in Karen State, many operations relocated to nearby villages.

issue:M2026-019, 5 Jun 2026

Mining Sites in KNU/KNLA Brigade Territories

The Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army (KNU/KNLA) is organized into seven brigades, three of which—Brigades 5, 6, and 7—are based in Karen State.

ISP Shorts

0:53

0:53

0:51

0:51

0:56

0:56

0:51

0:51

0:50

0:50

0:59

0:59

0:55

0:55

0:56

0:56

0:50

0:50

0:58

0:58

0:49

0:49

0:00

0:00

0:51

0:51

0:54

0:54

ISP Multimedia Clips

5 Aug 2026

Shan State Scam Networks Adapt Despite Raids

Despite 19 raids againts Kyar Phyant scam syndicates, these operations expanded across 19 Shan State townships in the post-Operation 1027 period.

4 Aug 2026

Reopening Border Trade Amid Political and Military Pressure

The Min Aung Hlaing regime is employing political and military leverage to force open vital border trade routes with neighboring countries.

31 Jul 2026

China’s Regional Connectivity Plan Bypasses India

China’s proposed economic corridor to Bangladesh via Myanmar aims to circumvent India.

30 Jul 2026

The Conscription Market and the Predatory War Economy

Over two years since the junta enforced its conscription law, forced recruitment and raids on homes and businesses have escalated nationwide.

Visual Explainers

21 Nov 2025

Socioeconomic Studies

Raising the Lantern’s Wick High

Survey findings reveal that trade disruptions have caused shortages of daily consumer goods and basic medicines, and prices for these goods have increased by one and a half to twice, or even three or four times, in some areas. The healthcare sector has been hit hard, particularly due to medicine shortages, price surges, and difficult access to healthcare facilities.

24 Oct 2025

Climate Conflict Nexus

Climate Shocks and Response Capacity in Myanmar – A Survey

The findings reveal that nearly half of the surveyed townships faced multiple climate-related challenges, including droughts, floods, heavy rainfall from cyclones and typhoons, extreme heat, and landslides. These events caused substantial damage to agricultural outputs, severely affecting rural livelihoods in an economy largely dependent on agriculture. Despite the devastating impacts, communities remain largely helpless: neither military government institutions, the resistance, nor ethnic organizations can provide sufficient recovery support.

22 Jun 2024

Conflict, Peace & Security

Operation 1027 and its Impacts on Myanmar’s Political Landscape

The Brotherhood Alliance (3BHA), composed of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA), launched “Operation 1027” on October 27, 2023. Their objectives included combating online fraud and gambling, asserting self-defense rights, maintaining territorial control, and resisting military oppression. This operation led 3BHA to secure […]

22 Jun 2024

Conflict, Peace & Security

Foreign Diplomatic Efforts to Meet with Aung San Suu Kyi During Her Detention

During her detention from July 20, 1989, to July 14, 2023, foreign diplomatic efforts were consistently made to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi. Despite facing various challenges and restrictions during this period, diplomats from different countries actively sought opportunities to engage with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and discuss matters concerning democracy and human […]

Got a Sharp Take? Share it on the ISP Column

We’re looking for bold, original short perspectives on Myanmar and regional affairs that challenge the way people think. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis — add your voice to the conversation that shapes ideas.

ISP In the News

Social media users question Min Aung Hlaing’s ‘future-heavy’ 100-day speech

Spring Revolution – Mizzima Daily Notes

MoeMaKa Burmese Community News and Media

ISP-Myanmar Warns of Intensifying Conflict Around Investment and Resource Projects

See all