Suchergebnisse

Most strategic analysts outside Myanmar dismiss an invasion of the country as a fantasy on the part of the military government, albeit one shared by some of its critics. In international relations, however, perceptions can be more important than objective facts. Fears of armed intervention by the United States, or a UN-endorsed coalition, have been strong influences on the ruling council's defence and foreign policies ever since the 1988 pro-democracy uprising. In that sense, the regime's heightened threat perceptions constitute a strategic reality that must be taken into account by the international community. As seen after Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in May 2008, failure to do so can make the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the search for viable long term solutions to Myanmar's complex problems, much more difficult. Adapted from the source document.

Examines Burma's intention to build a nuclear reactor. International concerns focus on safety; the potential risk posed by Burma's armed insurgent groups; & the possibility of a future nuclear weapons program. These concerns were heightened by the report that the ruling State Peace & Development Council (SPDC) may enlist the assistance of North Korea. At the very least, the existence of a nuclear reactor would give the SPDC the means to develop a "dirty bomb" that could intimidate Burma's neighbors & be used as a bargaining chip against the West. However, in spite of the ruthlessness of Rangoon's military government, its active participation in global disarmament initiatives makes the pursuit of a nuclear weapons program seem unlikely. Although the SPDC insists the nuclear reactor is intended for peaceful research purposes, the possibility of developing a nuclear weapon increases both the instability of the strategic environment & the potential for Burma to be used as a Chinese satellite in the Asia-Pacific region. The US position toward Burma is described. J. Lindroth

Burma's importance in world affairs has long derived from its critical geostrategic position, but another factor now attracting the interest of Western scholars & officials is the country's role in the global war against terrorism. The relationship between Burma's large Muslim population & the wider Islamic world has been exaggerated, & at times even deliberately misrepresented by the military government in Rangoon. However, the plight of Burma's Muslims has attracted the attention of figures like Usama bin Laden, & it would appear that one Burmese insurgent group has developed links with extremist organizations like Al Qaeda. Adapted from the source document.

Examines the Burmese government perspective on world events in the context of the June 2003 attack on opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi by the State Peace & Development Council. Following a brief history of the government's preoccupation with domestic affairs, particularly its own security, since the 1962 coup, four lessons to be learned from major world developments for the Burmese government are delineated: central government loss of control, falling prey to a larger state, evolution of more open societies, & dangers of economic failure. Emerging trends in modern warfare are also of keen interest to the military regime, & the Tatmadaw's modernization & military doctrine in response are described. In this light, domestic & foreign policy decisions geared toward government survival are discussed, highlighting the special attention accorded the US. It is suggested that, despite everything, the world events since 1988 have only stiffened the resolve of Burma's military regime to retain its monopoly on power. 1 Photograph. J. Zendejas