The Impact of the 2021 Political Transition in Myanmar on State-Society Relations
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Abstract
This research studies the effects of the post-1988 uprising political transitions on state-society relations in Myanmar during the civil disobedience movement from 2021 until the present. Highlighted are interactions after the 2021 military coup, an era marked by significant political shifts. The results are that the post-2021 coup political changes in Myanmar reflect evolving societal demands for democracy and governmental legitimacy. These demands have been diversely expressed by different representative groups. These political transitions may ultimately contribute to democracy, which will help establish constructive state-society relations in Myanmar. Additionally, a significant factor promoting ongoing civil war is the continued intervention by China, Russia, and Belarus in supplying weapons and other military equipment. This intervention is linked to Chinese strategic involvement in Myanmar’s internal affairs, including business investments from commercial entities in China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community aimed at advancing their respective state interests. These activities appear to prioritize geopolitical objectives over promoting stability or resolving the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar.
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