The Relevance of Foucault’s Theory of Power to an Understanding of Military Indoctrination, a Culture of Violence and Human Rights Discourse in Myanmar
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Abstract
This article examines the intricate dynamics of military indoctrination in Myanmar and its entrenchment of a culture of violence, with particular attention to its implications for human rights discourse. Through a systematic review of secondary literature, the study employs Michel Foucault’s theory of power, focusing on the concepts of repressive and normalizing power. The analysis highlights how the state wields its powers through the military apparatus, employing indoctrination to transform soldiers and perpetuate violence, simultaneously facilitating the normalization of authoritarian rule within broader society. By linking military repression to societal compliance, the study critically interrogates how these power structures shape, limit, and redirect discourses on human rights. Grounded in secondary data, the research warrants further empirical inquiry into the lived experiences and social consequences of military indoctrination processes in Myanmar.
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