Myanmar’s Political Past Limits its Economic Present
Freeman, Nick J. | August 2018
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.
Citation
Freeman, Nick J.. 2018. Myanmar’s Political Past Limits its Economic Present. © ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute. http://hdl.handle.net/11540/8903.ISSN
2335-6677
Keywords
Development Economics
Regional Economic Development
Economic Impact
Asian Development Bank
Development
Macroeconomic
Macroeconomic Analysis
Macroeconomic Framework
Macroeconomic Models
Macroeconomic Performance
Macroeconomic Planning
Macroeconomic Policies
Macroeconomic Reform
Macroeconomic Stabilization
Economies in transition
Economic agreements
Development indicators
ADB
Economic development
Gross domestic product
Employment
Economic forecast
Economic indicators
Growth models
Gross domestic product
Macroeconomics
Economic forecast
Social condition
Economic dependence
Economic assistance
Comparative economics
Regional economics
Economic development projects
Open price system
Price fixing
Price regulation
Consumer price indexes
Financial crisis
Labor economics
Regional economics
Turnover
Economic survey
Show allCollapse
Citable URI
http://hdl.handle.net/11540/8903Metadata
Show full item recordRelated items
-
Myanmar’s new minimum wage: What’s next? Policy considerations for the way forward
Bernhardt, Thomas; De, S Kanay; Thida, Mi Win; Min, Aung Myo (Center for Economic and Social Development, 2016-07-30)In 2013, Myanmar’s government passed a new minimum wage law. While enacting the law was an important first step, turning it into an effective policy tool requires further steps to be taken. This CESD working paper targets Myanmar policymakers with the objective of providing them with some considerations for the way forward. More precisely, it suggests that there are three key pillars of an effective ...In 2013, Myanmar’s government passed a new minimum wage law. While enacting the law was an important first step, turning it into an effective policy tool requires further steps to be taken. This CESD working paper targets Myanmar policymakers with the ... -
The Significance of Everyday Access to Justice in Myanmar’s Transition to Democracy
Kyed, Helene Maria; Thawnghmung, Ardeth Maung (ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, 2019-06-05)A wide range of justice providers, co-existing with the official legal system, operates in Myanmar. While the state’s is legally the only court system in the country and customary laws and ethnic justice systems are not recognized, it does not enjoy a monopoly in the actual resolution of most cases. Ordinary people distrust and fear the official system and perceive courts as expensive, slow, distant, ...A wide range of justice providers, co-existing with the official legal system, operates in Myanmar. While the state’s is legally the only court system in the country and customary laws and ethnic justice systems are not recognized, it does not enjoy a ... -
Decentralizing Power: The Role of State and Region Governments in Myanmar’s Energy Sector
Pont, Peter du (The Asia Foundation, 2019-04-30)This report explores the role of Myanmar’s state and region governments in the development of the country’s energy sector, and how they can increase their agency in shaping their own and the nation’s energy future. It is a companion to the Asia Foundation’s October 2018 report, State and Region Governments in Myanmar, which examines the structure and execution of subnational governance and articulates ...This report explores the role of Myanmar’s state and region governments in the development of the country’s energy sector, and how they can increase their agency in shaping their own and the nation’s energy future. It is a companion to the Asia ...