The military is escalating its pressure on protesters in Myanmar, but it’s running out of options for resolving the crisis. Bullets may not be enough to quash the opposition this time.
Despite having a woman leader, women are largely excluded from key positions of influence and leadership in Myanmar — a situation that helped the country’s military succeed in its recent coup.
Mass protests against the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi continue on the streets of Myanmar’s major cities.
EPA-EFE/ Lynn Bo Bo
‘Show trials’ by dictatorships have repeatedly been shown to have no basis in law.
A protester holds up a placard with an image of deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during an anti-coup rally in Mandalay, Myanmar, on Feb. 15, 2021.
(AP Photo)
Internet shutdowns and social media bans in Myanmar have helped the military retain control after the Feb. 1 coup. Here’s why ISPs should develop clear policies around forced internet shutdowns.
Anders C. Hardig, American University School of International Service e Tazreena Sajjad, American University School of International Service
The roots of Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar go back to colonial days. Those behind the military coup are seeking to harness it to legitimize the seizure of power.
Myanmar is increasingly connected to the world via social media, which will make it more difficult for the country’s new military leaders to maintain social control.
It is difficult to see how the military will benefit from another coup, since it already enjoyed immense political and economic influence under the previous power-sharing agreement.
People’s choice: Aung San Suu Kyi has proved to be ineffective at protecting human rights since winning power in 2015.
EPA-EFE/MYANMAR STATE COUNSELOR OFFICE
Human rights groups have expressed concern after 1.5 million voters in ethnic minority areas were not allowed to vote, ostensibly due to continuing conflict in the regions.
The constitutional change needed to further democratise Myanmar is impossible without the military’s consent, so achieving major political transformation through the election alone seems unlikely.
The Rohingya people have faced violent persecution since Myanmar became independent from the British 70 years ago.
EPA
In a country with 135 ethnic minorities, democratic elections have little meaning if the stateless, persecuted Rohingya people continue to be ethnically cleansed.
Aung San Suu Kyi before the International Criminal Court in The Hague in December.
Koen Van Weel/EPA
The International Court of Justice has ordered Myanmar to make wholesale reforms at the drop of a hat, wielding a stick of shame rather than a ladder of support.
A protester supports the Rohingya outside the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, on 10 December 2019.
EPA-EFE/Sem van der Wal