Publication

This brief examines the role Myanmar's military has played and is playing in the country's political-economic transformation. It contends that although the military did indeed initiate the reform process in order to invigorate the country’s economy and reduce local Chinese influence, the generals have retained sufficient power to protect their essential interests. Phasing out this power will only be done 'cautiously', regardless of external pressures to introduce civilian-based governance and end ongoing civil rights abuses.