Burma: Strategic Backwater or Strategic Fulcrum? U.S. Choices in the Bay of Bengal
Abstract
The United States began expanding its engagement with Burma (Myanmar) in 2009, which went largely unnoticed outside of the Asian studies community. Burma's cautious political opening and pursuit of cease fire agreements to end decades-old ethnic rebellions presented an opportunity for the United States to pursue engagement to advance the Obama administration's Asia policy of linking the United States economically and militarily with East and South Asia. Burma's geographic location, resources, and emerging role in ASEAN make it a critical linkage in this policy framework. Burma's history is complicated, fraught with conflict still visible in its political, social, and military situation, but it is of sufficient importance that national and transnational actors are maneuvering for position there. The United States is already linked to Burma through its economic policies in Asia, and so it has an incentive to influence Burma's development to reach favorable outcomes in the region. However, Burma has many barriers to growth and reform. Realizing U.S. objectives with respect to Burma may depend on Burma overcoming those barriers. The United States may be able to help, but further involvement in Burma is risky. This thesis discusses Burmese history, current maneuvers by national and transnational actors in the region, and the U.S. approach to Burma. It then outlines a set of recommendations to expand engagement in Burma beyond what is currently in effect to support stability, prosperity, and human rights while advancing U.S. interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA581313
Entities
People
- Paul A. Heinold
Organizations
- National Defense University