Opinion

Women in Myanmar: Addressing Cracks Beneath the Tough Facade

A striking societal transformation is emerging in Myanmar amid ongoing conflict and in the wake of severe flooding, landslides, and destroyed farmland. Women have taken over traditional men’s roles. They now lead household and community recovery activities, including removing heavy debris and reconstructing houses, monasteries, and schools.

Lifting ASEAN’s efforts with Myanmar

About three years ago, ASEAN leaders gathered in Jakarta for an emergency summit on Myanmar at which the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) -- entailing the cessation of violence in the country, constructive dialogue among parties to the conflict, the appointment of a special Myanmar envoy and the provision of humanitarian assistance - was agreed upon with the State Administration Council's (SAC) senior general Min Aung Hlaing.

ASEAN needs a longer-term approach to the Myanmar crisis

Seeking a sustainable ASEAN engagement with Myanmar

Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN chairmanship drew to a close with the conclusion of the 43rd ASEAN Summit last week. The year had started with high hopes for a solution to the Myanmar crisis, with Indonesia calling for the “return of democracy” in the military-controlled state that led to the adoption of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in 2021.

Myanmar crisis calls for international diplomatic reset

New U.N. special envoy may deal with military regime more effectively than ASEAN With the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, modest expectations are the norm. Taking two steps forward and one back is seen as a victory for the “ASEAN way,” which is based on the principles of noninterference and consensus-building among the 10 member […]

4 Jun 2021

The Real Kingmakers of Myanmar

For its part, the anti-coup movement — largely a combination of N.L.D. supporters, Generation Z protesters and civil servants — has been shifting tactics away from predominantly peaceful demonstrations to more violent kinds of resistance. All around Myanmar a form of urban warfare has broken out in recent weeks — in or near the country’s largest city, Yangon; to the west in Chin State; to the east in Kayah and Shan States; in the central region of Sagaing.

Is Democracy in Myanmar Dead?

YANGON, Myanmar — Since the military seized power on Feb. 1, I have felt overwhelmed watching both the empowerment of a new generation of young protesters and a continuing failure of political leadership. I am torn between nostalgia and the urgent need for a concrete strategy.