Local Conflicts in Post-reform Myanmar

Myanmar has experienced significant changes since the 2010s. It ended long military rule and undertook reforms under the quasi-civilian government as a result of the 2010 general elections. Although the military's seizure of power in 2021 set back the positive image that the country has obtained since 2010, if we understand the nature of the state, Myanmar, the event in early 2021 was not astonishing. This chapter reveals the nature of the state, Myanmar, and examines the effect of globalization in post-reform Myanmar. ‘Disciplined’ democracy is a symbolic term to represent the reforms. Nevertheless, the country suffers from more nationalist movements and extremism under democratization movements, thereby generating increased violence and local conflicts, particularly in the borderlands. While such international norms as democracy and the rule of law have been embedded in the country's reforms, careful investigations reveal that the pretense of democracy and the rule of law enhances marginalization, discrimination and exclusion vis-à-vis hegemonic state-building. A new dynamism of political economy developed since 2011 has significantly changed power relations of the state, military, entrepreneurs, foreign investors and local people.