Session 102: Roundtable: Why are the Burmese Generals Still in Power? Sponsored by the Burma Studies Group

Organizer and Chair: Maureen Aung-Thwin, Open Society Institute

Discussants: Kavi Chongkittavorn, Independent Scholar; Min Zin, Independent Scholar; Moe Thee Zun, Columbia University; Tin Myain Thein, Independent Scholar

Forty-two years after a military coup ended Burma’s brief experiment with democracy, the world wonders: why are the Burmese generals still in power? Despite decades of ethnic rebellion, student protests, a popular democratic movement, the scorn of the international community, and stringent sanctions imposed by the U.S. and Europe, the military junta seems impervious to change.

Burma, with its vast natural resources, holds the distinction of being second only to Sierra Leone in spending on health and education; HIV/AIDS ravages the country with one of the highest infection rates in Asia; Burma’s membership in ASEAN since 1997 has served only to lower the standards of the regional grouping; the United Nation’s efforts to foster change and promote dialogue between the regime and the opposition have gone unheeded. Citizens continue to be arrested on a regular basis, often for doing nothing more than distributing pamphlets.

While the regime maintains its stubborn hold on power, its opposition remains stunted and frustrated. In Southeast Asia, where military rule is in decline, why is Burma the hold out?

A diverse group of Burma watchers representing a broad spectrum of views on Burma will address these vital questions in what promises to be a lively discussion.