"Conflict resolution has long been essential for peace and stability in Burma/Myanmar.1 But for the country?s non-Bamar (Burman) peoples, who constitute over a third of the population, the need is especially urgent. Over the decades, most fighting has taken place in ethnic minority borderlands, and the local populations have long suffered the most from state failure, political marginalisation and military rule. Kayah State, historically known as ?Karenni State”, is a resonant example of the reform dilemmas that the ethnic nationality peoples in Myanmar now face. Although the country?s smallest state, it reflects many of the challenges in peace-building and socio-political transition that need resolution in Myanmar at large: political impasse, a multiplicity of conflict actors, contested natural resources, land grabbing, humanitarian suffering, and divided communities seeking to rebuild after more than six decades of civil war..."