Assessing the role of ethnic armed organizations in local governance of post-conflict Myanmar: A case study of New Mon State Party
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Abstract
Ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Myanmar have historically functioned as both military and governance roles, particularly in regions with minimal state control or its absence. In this study, the role of EAOs is analyzed in local governance, specifically in areas of service delivery and administration through a case study of New Mon State Party (NMSP). Using a qualitative case study approach, the study employed semi-structured interviews with local residents from three townships of Mon state which was further complemented by the analysis of secondary resources for data triangulation. Findings revealed that NMSP provides essential governance services in education, healthcare and local administration matters, reflecting some of decentralization principles. In addition, the study also highlights significant governance issues such as limitations in resources and formal legitimacy, taxation problems and corruption, and service inconsistencies. Through the lens of rebel governance and decentralization theories, the analysis informs that EAO-led governance presents an alternative governance framework in a contested manner in current federalization debates of Myanmar. Even though findings indicate that EAOs contributes significantly towards local governance, there remains complications in their legitimacy and sustainability, which raises critical questions about their integration into decentralized governance in post-conflict Myanmar.
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