Burma

Long isolated by rigid military rule, Burma, or Myanmar, is one of the least known, significantly sized states in the world. Possessed of a rich cultural history yet facing a range of challenges to stability and growth, it has struck the imaginations of those concerned not only with geopolitical or trade affairs but also with poverty, health, and human rights. David I. Steinberg sheds new light on this reclusive state by exploring issues of authority and legitimacy in its politics, economics, social structure, and culture since the popular uprising and military coup of 1988.

Exploring the origins of that year's tumultuous events, Steinberg analyzes a generation of preceding military governments and their attempts to address the nation's problems. He focuses on the role of the military, the effects of Burma's geopolitical placement, the plight of the poor, the destruction of civil society, and rising ethnic tensions. While taking into account the importance of foreign observers as counterpoints to official views, suppliers of economic aid, and advocates of reform, Steinberg contends that ultimately, the solutions to Myanmar's varied problems lie with the Burmese themselves and the policies of their government.

The paperback edition includes a postcript that reveals the most current and critical issues facing Burma since the publication of the original hardcover in March 2001. Steinberg brings readers up to date on the recent release of political prisoners, economic and military conditions, United Nations actions, and the complex, ever-changing relationship between Thailand and Myanmar.

Autorentext

David I. Steinberg

Inhalt

Preface and Acknowledgments

Notes

Maps

Statistical Profile

State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)

Glossary

Introduction

1. Setting the Stage: The Crisis of 1988 and Its Origins The Coup of September 18, 1988The Origins of the People's RevolutionNe Win-From Sun King to Cardinal Richelieu?The Inherited Economic MiasmaThe Military as CaretakersThe Military as SocialistsInternational Reactions to a Reclusive State

2. The Social and Political Backdrop to the Crisis: Myanmar's Modern Heritage Unrealized PotentialTransformational Events and the MilitaryState and Society in BurmaThe Culture of PowerThe Power of Culture

3. The Military and the Aftermath of the CoupMilitary Perception and RolesNational Security ConceptsThe Development of Dual Societies: Military and CivilianDefense SpendingThe Role and Rule of LawPolitical and Human Rights

4. Mass Mobilization, Civil Society, and Orthodoxy Mass Mobilization in BurmaCivil Society and Its DestructionNGOs in Burma/Myanmar

5. Economic Changes: Progress and Regression The Economic MaelstromPatterns fo Economic ChangeThe Future of the Burmese Economy: Problems and ProspectsAppendix A Selected Targets fo the Five-Year Plan (1996/97?-2001)Appendix B 1999 World Bank Economic and Social Assessment Summary

6. Multiethnicity and the Burmese StateAppendix A Linguistic Groups of Burma/MyanmarAppendix B Ethnically Related Rebel Groups in Burma, 1983-84Appendix C Ethnic Cease-Fires as of July 1998Appendix D Forces in Revolt (July 1998)

7. The Politics of Social Issues PovertyThe Destruction of the Educational SystemHealthThe Status of WomenNarcotics and the Economy

8. Foreign Affairs: Myanmar as Regional Nexus The China FactorThe ASEAN IssueThe United States and the Issue of SanctionsMigration and Refugees

9. Foreign Assistance: Tensions and Needs The Japanese Assistance ProgramThe U.S> Economic Aid ProgramMultilateral and Other DonorsThe Future Role of Donors in MyanmarAppendix A Japanese Aid ProjectsAppendix B Japanese Economic Assistance to Burma: Loans, Grants, ReparationsAppendix C U.S. Assistance Program Fiscal Obligations as of August 15, 1967Appendix D Summary of Actual and Committed U.S. Assistance to Burma, 1950-66Appendix E Official Development Assistance to Myanmar 1989-97Appendix F The World Bank, Myanmar: Loans/Credit Summary

10. Conclusion: Burma/Myanmar-Its Future and the Dilemmas of Foreign PolicyDilemmas and Current ConditionsAssumptions and ConstraintsThe Changed International MilieuFuture ProspectsConclusion

Appendix I Economic Reform in Burma: Problems and Priority Needs. 1988Further ReadingPostscriptAbout the AuthorIndex