Myanmar

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer points out that since 1988, the people of Myanmar have suffered under the leadership of a repressive military junta. The writer notes that current conditions in Myanmar not only force residents to live in fear, but also have brought about economic sanctions and reductions in foreign investment that have hurt the population's standard of living. Further the writer maintains that the situation in Myanmar has received global attention, but that bringing political and human rights reforms to this rogue nation has proven difficult. The writer concludes that a stable, democratic Myanmar will be a better economic partner for China, Russia and Myanmar's neighbors. One can expect that these nations, individually and through global and regional organizations, will eventually press for stability and reform in Myanmar.

Outline:
Major Nations Undermine UN Efforts
Despite Strength, ASEAN Takes Weak Approach
Sanctions Can Work in Myanmar
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Regrettably, as long as China and Russia sit on the UN Security Council and as long as they have economic interests in Myanmar, it will be difficult for the UN to be a driving factor for change in Myanmar. The real hope is that China and Russia may one day realize that their current positions are somewhat short-sighted. After all, a more politically and economically stable Myanmar may prove to be a better economic partner. This is a logical philosophical leap that China and Russia may one day make, but, for now, it does not appear to be in the cards."

Sample of Sources Used:

• ASEAN Expects Myanmar's Decision on Leadership Issue Next Month (2005). Retrieved Oct. 7, 2006 from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Web site at http://www.aseansec.org/afp/120.htmASEAN Web site (2006). Accessed Oct. 7, 2006 at http://www.aseansec.orgBurma: U.N. Must Act to End Attacks on Karen (2006). Retrieved Oct. 9, 2006 from Human Rights Watch Web site at http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/05/03/burma13301.htm.Challenges to Democratization in Burma (2001). International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. Stockholm, Sweden.
• EU demands Myanmar free Aung San Suu Kyi (2006). Accessed Oct. 11, 2006 at the Khaleej Times Web site at http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2006/October/theworld_October300.xml&section=theworld&col=.
• Excerpts from the Joint Communique of the 36th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (2006). Retrieved Oct. 7, 2006 from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Web site at http://www.aseansec.org/14876.htm
• Foreign direct investment in ASEAN by host country (2005). Accessed Oct. 9, 2006 from the Web site for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at http://www.aseansec.org/Stat/Table6.1.pdf.
• Myanmar campaign seeks release of activists (2006). Accessed Oct. 11, 2006 from http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061009/3/2r34d.html.

More papers on Myanmar:

• Cause and Effect Essay # 115553 : "Myanmar: The Role of the Junta"
• Term Paper # 128017 : "Myanmar: Past and Present"
• Research Paper # 57831 : "ASEAN and Myanmar: Constructive Engagement 1991-2005"

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