Comparative Politics of Southeast Asia

Abstract

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, known as Burma prior to 1989, is one of the ethnically most heterogeneous societies in Southeast Asia with 135 officially recognized nationalities. Since its independence in 1948, the multiethnic society has seen a high number of armed conflicts between the central government and a rich tapestry of different ethnic armed groups. Ethnic conflicts contributed to the rise and persistence of a ``praetorian state,'' in which the Burmese military (Tatmadaw) has dominated politics, the economy, and society for more than five decades. In 2011, the military initiated a process of gradual disengagement from day-to-day politics. The ratification of a new constitution followed by disbanding the military junta and reasonably free legislative elections in November 2015 constitute remarkable achievements in the transition from military government to a democratic government. Weak public infrastructure, widespread extreme poverty, and the exploitation of Myanmar's natural resources by a small group of regime beneficiaries will impede a comprehensive transition towards a democratic political regime. Nevertheless, the country's political system is much less repressive and provides more space for political parties, civil society, and the media as well as more autonomy for ethnic minorities than at any point in the last five decades. This chapter provides a systematic overview of the political actors, institutions, and dynamics of Myanmar's political system and summarizes its history and recent developments.