Luge Lessons in Rangoon: Why the Engaging Burmese Military is Key to the Nation's Economic Future
Abstract
The Burmese military is the focal point of the nation's economy due to its privileged access and institutionalized structure. Furthermore, its current disposition - sitting astride the access to the most valuable resources for investment as well as the decision-making about whom gets selected - means that the distortion to the Burmese economy will remain in place until the military itself makes the decision do divest itself from the investment business. Because the civilian leadership is relatively weak and cautious, and because recent gains are so fragile, this change must come from within the Burmese military itself. China will remain a significant force within the country with whom any partner dealing with Burma must contend. However, the negative influences of China upon Burmese society, not to mention the near hegemony it enjoys within the military mean that there is all the more reason for the U.S. to seek avenues to engage the Burmese military directly. These tools should include specific training aimed at addressing the main points of contention with U.S. policy: human rights, rule of law, civil-military relations and civilian control of the military.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1045342
Entities
People
- Roberts S Mathers
Organizations
- Naval War College