The realities of power in Myanmar

Over the past few months, articles and op-eds by experts and others on Myanmar’s general elections have covered almost every conceivable aspect of the subject. Also, it seems a shame to dampen down the wave of euphoria that has swept around the world since the National League for Democracy’s (NLD) stunning victory on 8 November, which promises a new beginning for a country and people that have suffered for decades.

In considering where recent developments might lead, however, it is important to take a broad view and keep the election outcome in perspective. As Nicholas Farrelly wrote in The Myanmar Times on 9 November, this is just the beginning of a very long and difficult process. The harsh realities of power in Myanmar – at least as far as they have been seen until now – demand a fair degree of caution.

Read the full “The realities of power in Myanmar” article authored by Associate Professor Andrew Selth.