An escalating civil war in Myanmar threatens to tear apart a nation of approximately 55 million people situated between China and India. Despite its international repercussions, the conflict has not received widespread attention.
Current Situation
Over the past six months, resistance fighters in Myanmar’s remote regions have been consistently defeating the ruling military junta in a series of battles, surprising analysts. This trend raises the potential for the junta to be on the verge of collapse.
Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing war has resulted in a severe human rights catastrophe. Myanmar’s descent into chaos following the 2021 military coup has devastated its economy, pushing millions of individuals into extreme poverty. The country’s image as a hotspot for illicit activities such as drug trafficking, online scams, and money laundering is also gaining prominence. The resulting instability has presented strategic challenges for countries like China, India, the United States, and others.
Background
Roots of Conflict: Myanmar has a complex political history. While the country held elections over a decade ago, power remained largely in the hands of the military junta, with Aung San Suu Kyi leading a civilian government. However, the military retained significant control through a Constitution it had drafted.
The Coup: In 2021, the generals staged a coup, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and triggering widespread protests and a violent crackdown on demonstrators. This led to a wave of resistance from armed groups, plunging Myanmar into a state of turmoil.
