Myanmar is known throughout the world as a country with a rich history and a strong observance of religion. It has an abundant supply of natural resources; its people are hardworking and determined to protect their nation. The embargo imposed on Myanmar by the US and the West pushed the country to the back of people’s minds, and this was not alleviated it even when it gained acceptance into ASEAN in 1997. Things have been looking up for Myanmar, however, ever since it opened its doors in 2003. People’s lives have been improving and the country’s future indeed shows promise. Myanmar has been garnering more support from the global community, especially the US and western nations. This is a highly positive sign not just for Myanmar, but also for ASEAN as a whole, given the latter’s ongoing efforts to form the Asian Community (AC) by 2015. Still, little is known about Myanmar aside from the reforms the country is currently undertaking.
The book wraps itself up in three chapters.
Chapter 1: Overview of Myanmar and its people. This chapter focuses on the analysis of Myanmar in its natural state and of its people, upon which assessments on Myanmar’s development can be based. The authors attempt to shed light on the changes that have occurred throughout Myanmar’s history: prior to the invasion of the British (before 1886), the colonization era (1885-1948), from 1948 to 1962, and from 2003 onward.
Chapter 2: The process of political and economic reform as it has occurred since 2008. The authors focus on discussing socioeconomic and political changes that have occurred in Myanmar since 2008 and dwell on the steps the country has taken to undergo reform. In addition, an attempt is made to clarify external and internal factors of significance.
Chapter 3: Projection of the trends and development outlook for Myanmar. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion on Myanmar’s key political forces: The Union Solidarity and Development Party – USDP), the NLD, the role of the military, and the roles of the country’s leaders.
The fact that powerful countries, not excluding Myanmar, are vying for their own gains bear a heavy impact on Myanmar’s situation.
Nguyen Thu Ha