"With a vast ethnic and cultural diversity,1 as well as high levels of poverty, Myanmar has witnessed the emergence of a myriad of armed non-state actors (ANSAs), which have splintered and morphed over time, and has subnational tensions arising from tremendous distinctive dynamics. The majority of such actors, known as ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), have primarily pursued a high level of autonomy along with the recognition of identity and rights. These claims have been ongoing since before the colonial period, intensifying after independence in 1948 and still persisting in 2017. The 1980s and 90s saw important progress towards peace, with several ceasefire deals and the creation of the Border Guard Forces (BGFs) following plans for demobilization. Yet, these deals have all failed and have, therefore, generated the proliferation of ANSAs. It was not until 2015 that the government of Aung San Suu Kyi achieved the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA); however, this process has failed to be inclusive, leaving aside key actors after the government imposed restrictions for its signature and as a result, have maintained their armed confrontation. Myanmar is composed of seven states, seven regions, six selfadministered zones (or divisions) and one union territory.2 One of the seven states, Rakhine (situated on the west coast of the country), is the site of ongoing tensions between the Myanmar armed forces and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Violence escalated sharply from October 2016, when ARSA first attacked, and continued to spiral, with the last military crackdown on 25 August 2017. Thus, in order to understand the complex setting in Myanmar, it is crucial to outline the dynamics of these longterm tensions, while focusing on the latest developments in Rakhine state and the challenges these give rise to..."