Politics of Infrastructures: Meanings and Implications in Myanmar

Abstract

This paper explores politics of infrastructure’s meanings and their forces in social changes in Myanmar. It is based on documentary research and field study carried out in three cities of southeastern Myanmar; Myawaddy, Hpa-an and Mawlamyine. This writing argues that new infrastructures there not only enhance individual capacities in corporeal mobility, but also influence people’s imaginary of their future lives. The development demonstrates how the private business has been seen as transformation mechanism, ultimately boosting the Burmese economy and advancing the overall society. The politics of infrastructure’s meanings however signifies multi-functions and diversified implications of these physical constructions. In addition to their technical contents, infrastructural operations shape distinct cognition and experience of local people. They cast serious doubt over future changes, reminding the persistent autocracy in Myanmar.