Burma | Burma Center Prague

To preclude any expectations possibly raised by the title: This article does not claim to know the final answer. Rather, it tries to analyse Burma’s situation in the global community, which is presently marked by a deadlock – a deadlock that seems to suit the junta as the foreign powers’ inability or unwillingness to act comes at the perfect time for the Generals. And that, after all, for almost two decades. Consensus on the Burma1 situation seems even rare when we go to the more general question as to whether anything should be done at all. Several key players demand non-interference, yet on less public stages do not appear to restrict their influence in Burma. Burma is first and foremost a land in deep trouble. Looking at the indicators, one has to wonder how the ruling clique manages to continue profiting from a country that is continuously shaken by crises. How can Burma, despite its obvious weakness and dependency, flirt with strong powers competing in the region and keep international pressure at bay until public interest disappears into oblivion? What therefore can international stakeholders do to help the Burmese population? And lastly: are there any lessons to be learned from the crackdown on peaceful protests in 2007?

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