Prologue
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a densely populated Asian country that has faced manyyears of repressive military regimes. Myanmar had fought for many years to become ademocracy, but its duration was cut short. Myanmar is infamous for its ethnic cleansing ofRohingya Muslims during this democratic period, courtesy of Myanmar’s military. Despite allefforts, the influence was always prevalent, and changes were far from fruition. Myanmarcontinues to be one of Asia’s most impoverished countries, with little to no economic growthover the years. After the 2021 coup, the chaos has grown into a violent civil war between themilitary and the opposition
The Army
Dubbed the Tatmadaw, they were established before independence from the British in 1948. Thearmy was one of the strongholds of the one-party state that Myanmar had established. The armyhad the last word in critical decisions and always had control over general citizens. Though theyhave faced lots of resistance over the years, external funding from Russia and China has allowedthem to continue with oppressive practices. Protestors are considered criminals, given there is noopposition during military regimes. The army continues to brutalize protestors and hold themcaptive. Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has captured over 10,000 political prisoners. Over thepast few months, many soldiers have fled the army, causing numbers to dwindle. However, thishasn’t resulted in a significant rupture in Tatmadaw’s power within the country.
Myanmar has ordered all retirees to lace their boots up and join the force again. If they refuse todo so, they will face severe consequences and their pensions will be nullified. The Army lacksany form of basic humanity towards its members and the country’s citizens. They are furtherproving why they’re considered one of the most dangerous institutions in Asia.
The Resistance
Over 350 militias have risen over the past year, with mere crude rifles and explosives. People’sdefence forces, dubbed PDFs, have combined with other ethnic minorities to rebel against thetreacherous army. Though disjointed, they stand united by the common cause of fighting for freedom. Over the 300+ townships, PDFs have a presence in all of them and have sustainedconflict in over 150. This movement has gained immense support from general citizens and hasprovided a light at the end of the tunnel. Although extending the state of emergency affectseveryone’s daily lives, it proves the army has not gotten enough traction to stabilize
The Impact
The location of many former government officials is still unknown. The former government hadjust won a landslide election and was poised to continue progressing Myanmar down a brightpath. The military abused its powers to delegitimize many government initiatives and madeunfounded claims about election results. India, Russia and China continue to support and provideweaponry, despite all the backlash they’ve received over the past year. Their actions haveessentially neutralized the Western World’s initiative to sanction and identify Myanmar as acountry of particular concern. Despite all that has occurred, Western society’s actions aren'tenough. After backing up Ukraine and providing resistance groups with the necessary resources,it’s questionable why the same initiative isn’t occurring for Myanmar. Myanmar people continueto suffer while the army spreads its reign of terror and further legitimatizes itself internationallywith sham elections. Myanmar is facing an impending collapse, just a year after the militarycoup. Half of Myanmar is currently living in poverty, with 14.4 million needing humanitarianassistance to survive. The World Bank that the coup and the pandemic had cost Myanmar 30% ofits economy. Myanmar will take many years to recover from the damage that has occurred, andthis is just the beginning of the turmoil this densely populated nation will continue to face.
Conclusion
Despite the dire situation and bleak living conditions, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.The Army will have to face a stage where they can no longer operate in this country given howmuch their economy has plummeted and their production has decreased drastically. This willeither lead to sham elections or an opportunity for the general population to take over. There isno doubt Myanmar will see brighter days in the future. When? That is for you and me to find out.
Cited Sources:
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By: Rohan Prabakaran Kalaiarasi
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