Myanmar’s crisis may escalate as rebel groups join anti-junta protestors
With major ethnic armed groups vowing to resist the military’s deadly crackdown on dissent, Myanmar is on the cusp of civil war and further violence.
Myanmar
India’s reaction to Myanmar coup highlights cross-border interests
India’s belated condemnation of the violence in Myanmar and its willingness to work with the military government have cast a spotlight on New Delhi’s interests in the country.
Russia and Myanmar’s militaries grow closer as post-coup violence continues
In the wake of the military coup in Myanmar, Russia may have found an opening to further its military cooperation with the junta.
Milk Tea Alliance pushes cross-border solidarity: Is it anything more than hashtag activism?
In the weeks following the Myanmar military’s coup on February 1, Asia’s online pro-democracy movement known as the Milk Tea Alliance saw a surge in new activism.
Airstrikes commit the Myanmar military to a war it can’t win
The Myanmar military’s bombing of civilian areas in Karen State represents a major escalation in the conflict with Karen ethnic armed forces. The attacks seem to indicate that the junta will try to end the country’s long-running civil wars through brute force, despite decades of evidence that this is likely impossible.
Arrival of Myanmar refugees, police pushes India to get clear on coup
As police and soldiers from Myanmar defect across India’s border, Modi’s government can’t continue with its tepid response to Myanmar’s coup and ongoing violence. India’s next moves will have impacts far beyond bilateral relations—on competition with China, on India’s geopolitical status and on attempts to economically and politically integrate its northeastern states.
Myanmar military reaches out to ethnic minorities with little success
Myanmar’s military has been reaching out to ethnic minorities to win support for its coup, with limited success. But the efforts are unlikely to cause lasting shifts in the country’s political dynamics as the military is unwilling to offer ethnic groups autonomy or a federalist union.
Philippines shows data is key to equitable climate adaptation in Southeast Asia
A new program in the Philippines shows how data tools and mapping can help improve disaster responses and climate adaptation. For countries in Southeast Asia that are highly vulnerable to climate impacts, data sharing is one way to build more equitable responses to climate change and disasters.
Myanmar’s civil disobedience does more than foreign engagement can
Myanmar’s civil disobedience movement is powerful because it does away with the illusion that anyone but the people of Myanmar will be able to bring the country lasting peace or democracy.
ASEAN’s inaction on the Myanmar coup shows acceptance of authoritarianism
ASEAN has called for dialogue between the military and civilians in Myanmar following last month’s coup. However, the grouping has not shown any willingness to hold the military accountable through sanctions, either as a bloc or by joining the international community’s efforts.