U.S. Economic Sanctions against Myanmar (1988-2008 A.D.): Implication for the Maintenance of U.S. Hegemonic Status in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate whether the U.S. economic sanctions against Myanmar from 1988 to 2008 were in accord or opposed to the U.S. foreign policy towards Southeast Asia in post-Cold War era. The research found that the U.S. economic sanctions against Myanmar were ineffective in pressuring the military government of Myanmar to transform towards democratic and human rights paths as the U.S. required. Furthermore, such sanctions eventually became a driving force turning Myanmar towards China, thus consequently affected the U.S. intention to maintain its hegemonic status in Southeast Asia in post-Cold War era.