Description:
Conclusion:
"Changes in state structure have profoundly affected the historical formation and
mobilisation of ethnic identities in Burma. Since 1962, the ?ethnocratic state? has
suppressed non-Burman political identities and the operation of civil society, with
profound consequences for the conceptualisation and expressions of ethnicity.
The altered relationship between the central government (and Burmese military) and
some minority groups (and ethnic insurgents), as a result of the ceasefire process,
constitutes a significant realignment of state-society relations. As a result, new forms of
social and political organisation have begun to emerge within the Mon and other
minority communities, which have the potential to affect state structures, including those
of the ?liberated zones?. Whether the re-alignment of ethnic minority politics ultimately
feeds back into the loop, and contributes towards transition at the national level, will
depend on how politicians react to political opportunities - and attendant risks.
Meanwhile, the NMSP is in danger of becoming marginalised, unless it can respond to
the new environment with a new strategic vision. The ceasefire groups are uniquely
positioned to take the lead in redefining the nature of civil-military relations in Burma.
Ultimately, for both the Tatmadaw and the armed ethnic groups, the transition from
insurgency to relative peace and stability - of which the present military regime is so
proud - is less difficult than that from dictatorship to democracy. The first phase (peacemaking)
is a prerequisite of the second phase (peace-building), but the latter addresses
more fundamental issues.
After decades of conflict, and amid on-going repression, opportunities exist for conflict
resolution and political transition in Burma. To varying degrees, the SPDC, the NLD and
ethnic minority leaders have all expressed their desire for peaceful social and political
development. Although the scope and mechanics of any transition will be negotiated
among elites, in order for recovery to be effective, members of the country?s diverse
social and ethnic groups must enjoy participation and a sense of ?ownership? in the
process. Post-conflict transformation thus requires the rehabilitation of Burmese civil
society. This difficult and uneven process is already underway, and is worthy of support.
Foreign governments, UN agencies and INGOs should work to empower those non-regime
groups attempting to work inside Burma, under the most challenging
circumstances. They should also continue to bring pressure on the SPDC to initiate
political reform and enter into dialogue with representatives of Burma?s ethnic minority
and opposition groups.
Although the international community can play an important role in facilitating political
transition, the success of this process will depend on the Burmese state and social
groups. Based on a reading of British and French history, Skocpol suggests that ?states
not only conduct decision-making, coercive, and adjudicative activities in different ways,
but also give rise to various conceptions of the meaning and methods of ?politics? itself,
conceptions that influence the behaviour of all groups and classes in national
societies.? The field of political culture - attitudes to and valuations of power and
politics - is often stubbornly resistant to change. As Alan Smith and Khin Maung Win
observe, the absence of consensus and ?accumulated distrust and unwillingness to
compromise between and centre- and Burman-dominated state … and non-Burman
ethnic groups? is the most serious obstacle to political transition.
In a recent report for the Minority Rights Group, Martin Smith concludes that ?conflict
resolution, demilitarization and the building of civil society will be vital bridges in
achieving reconciliation in the country and supporting the creation of conditions in which
democracy can take root and minority rights be enjoyed.?78 However, as he - and many
ethnic minority leaders - recognise, if it is to be sustained, peace and reconciliation must
be accompanied by a just settlement of state-society issues."
Source/publisher:
"Exploring Ethnic Diversity in Burma" (Nordic Institute of Asian Studies 2007), Chapter 6
Date of Publication:
2007-00-00
Date of entry:
2011-01-22
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Language:
English