Explaining Myanmar in Flux and Transition

Abstract

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book begins by considering the fundamentals of Myanmar life that provide the context for the analysis of contemporary Myanmar: the state, the defence services, democracy, and ethnicity and identity. It looks at the variety of autonomous areas, special regions, special economic zones and other exceptions to the ordinary patterns of spatial governance. The book discusses changes to Myanmar's education system. It explains a complex regional dimension to Myanmar's international entanglements, including its status within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The book presents a feminist perspective on the reform required of Myanmar society if its people are ever going to achieve their collective goals. It suggests that while the recent trajectory of economic, political, social and cultural development is promising, the blunt fact is that Myanmar continues to face some potentially grim scenarios.