A shift in Myanmar’s nationalist rhetoric offers a glimpse of what’s to come in 2020
Myanmar’s nationalists are employing increasingly political rhetoric. It is no accident.
Myanmar
A Chinese Special Economic Zone is deepening conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
The Chinese-backed Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone is shaping Myanmar’s conflict with the Arakan Army. Rakhine communities will benefit little from the project while bearing many of the costs, and it ignores their calls for control over the area’s natural resources.
Unified QR Codes and the promise of a cashless Myanmar
Nets Group is helping Myanmar develop its own QR code system, based on the famous SGQR framework in Singapore. How will this impact the payment landscape in Myanmar?
Myanmar’s government claims Islamic State poses threat in Rakhine
The Myanmar government claims that the Islamic State poses a growing threat to Rakhine state. But with little evidence, this only serves to build the narrative of Islamic terrorism that the military uses to justify its atrocities in Rakhine.
The Chinese mega-dam in Myanmar that is hampering the peace process
The government of Myanmar is working to restart the controversial Myitsone dam project in Kachin State. It doesn’t bode well for the ongoing peace process.
Is a splinternet emerging? ASEAN nations are turning to a Chinese model on internet censorship
ASEAN governments are passing a slew of cybersecurity and internet censorship laws. These internet restrictions could be more damaging than the misinformation and inappropriate content they aim to control.
WeChat is giving trafficked Burmese brides a lifeline
WeChat is an effective tool for NGOs in the fight against human trafficking. It provides a communication lifeline to women and girls deserted by the Burmese government.
The Bangladeshi government rallies humanitarian support for its Rohingya island relocation
Bangladesh’s plan to relocate Rohingya refugees to a small silt island will expose them to worse threats than they already face. With repatriation still impossible, humanitarian agencies must push the government to work with communities on more sustainable solutions.
Constitutional reform in Myanmar: A move towards peace?
Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD party is making a new push to reform Myanmar’s constitution. The move may help reduce the military’s power, allowing the NLD to advance the peace process before the 2020 elections.
Renewed violence in Rakhine State has displaced thousands and international media may be making things worse
New clashes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State have displaced 5,000 people. The military has begun a “crackdown” on militants. International media outlets are getting it wrong.