Myanmar’s Political Past Limits its Economic Present

Abstract

The scenario was an alluring one to buy into. After years of sanctions and economic mismanagement, Myanmar’s much-criticised military had decided to scale back its role in politics, if not wholly return to barracks, and a new and popular government would be established under the leadership of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former prisoner of conscience. Although inexperienced in matters of governance, the new government would receive considerable technical support from the international development community. In addition, the international business community would re-engage with a country it had had relatively little to do with since before the Second World War. The parasitic actions of a small handful of ‘cronies’ would be gradually replaced by a far more inclusive economic growth programme, and the country’s close (indeed unique) proximity to the global growth poles of China and India boded well for future prospects. Sure, there would be various hiccups and ‘speed bumps’ along the way, but rarely do the stars align so well for a country seeking to make a – somewhat belated – bid for modernity. And the precedents set by neighbouring Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and other fellow ASEAN members illustrated how such a bid could be pursued successfully.