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Myanmar, since its independence from the British in 1948, has witnessed decades of military dictatorship, a plethora of ethnic and political problems, and an arduous struggle to political normalcy and democracy. Reinventing its place in international trade, diplomacy, and geo-strategy, Myanmar today presents a complex picture-and how it engages with its own history plays an important part in this process of transformation.

Myanmar: A Political History examines the politico-historical antecedents of contemporary Myanmar: from colonial rule to the establishment of its first civilian government; the subsequent fall into military dictatorship; and the transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic government. Kipgen weaves in its relations with the United States, Myanmar’s political, economic, and military connect with China; India-Myanmar relations in the context of India’s Look East policy; and Myanmar’s cooperation problems on human rights within the ASEAN. Lucid and well researched, this book is a valuable guide to those interested in the future of Myanmar as well as South and Southeast Asia, to understand the historical knowledge as to how different political actors played differing roles in the country’s transition across governments.

Contents: Introduction. 1. 50 Years of conflicts: understanding the problems and the challenges. 2. Political transition from democracy to military dictatorship (1948–62). 3. ASEAN cooperation problems on human rights with respect to Myanmar. 4. Political changes and democratic transition in 2011. 5. US–Myanmar relations: change of politics under the Bush and Obama administrations. 6. Political changes in 2012: the different facets of politics. 7. Societies in political transition: a comparative study of Burma under ne win and Indonesia under Suharto. 8. Myanmar–China relations: a strategy of mutual interest. 9. The centrality of Myanmar in India’s look east policy. 10. Ethnic nationalities and the peace process. Conclusion. Index.