Conflict de-escalation based on the sharing of war dividends among conflict parties may provide temporary respite. However, without progressing to meaningful political negotiations, it could simply delay and worsen the underlying conflict. Without considering the political economy of Myanmar’s conflict, a resolution to the crisis is unlikely.

Myanmar needs a political "process strategy" that respects the aspirations of its people and can be pragmatically implemented to address the current crisis. The effectiveness of China's initiative in filling this gap hinges on its strategic capabilities and collaborations with various national and international stakeholders.

When a nation collectively chooses the path of securitization and militarization, it inevitably incurs an opportunity cost in the development and productivity of the nation impeding for generations to come.

Buthidaung township in Rakhine State experienced the most severe damage, with over 7,500 structures torched.

Since the coup, Myanmar has witnessed over 65 civilian massacres amid armed conflicts, claiming the lives of over 1,307 civilians.

Following the coup, the State Administration Council’s (SAC) troops conducted at least 7,186 airstrikes across the country during armed clashes.

(This article is an abridged translation of the original Burmese language version that Institute for Strategy and Policy -Myanmar posted on its Facebook page on August 30, 2021.)  Summary The upcoming visit by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Special Envoy is a key political event for both the State Administration Council (SAC) and the National […]

Only if everyone comes together to solve the pandemic that Myanmar is currently facing will the country be able to lessen the physical and mental trauma that will be experienced for generations. Humanitarian crises could stem from politics or could become worse because of politics. Therefore, the solution to the humanitarian crisis should eventually transition from a humanitarian emergency to more sustained solutions for the political crisis. Good examples of humanitarian response can be seen in Aceh after the 2004 tsunami and in Nepal after 2015 earthquake. Even if political solutions cannot be found immediately, all stakeholders should follow the recommendations mentioned above quickly since these will provide major support in saving people’s lives during the COVID-19 third wave in Myanmar.