The Tatmadaw and Human Rights: Changing a Military Mindset
Abstract
Since Myanmar's independence in 1948, the military, Tatmadaw, maintained the dominant power in the country. Throughout their short history, the Tatmadaw garnered a reputation of human rights violations while battling the country's many ethnic groups in armed struggles. In 2008, Myanmar adopted a new semi-democratic constitution that led to a demonstration of many reforms throughout the country many of which have been prompted by the military leadership. The U.S military should take advantage of the reform and changes in Myanmar to influence the growth of a modern and professional military culture. As the Tatmadaw seeks to develop a professional force within the scope of national political reform there is an opportunity to influence their future military strategies and doctrine, national roles and responsibilities, and leadership education which in turn may change their military culture and norms reference human rights. These influences need to come directly through U.S. and Tatmadaw military to military engagements and indirectly through utilizing strategic partners in Southeast Asia such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, or Singapore, ASEAN, strong allies such as Australia and Great Britain, and influential organizations like the European Union.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1045230
Entities
People
- Demetrios J. Nicholson
Organizations
- Joint Military Operations Department