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Shades of Identity Politics in Myanmar
- Nyo Oo
- Aug 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Blending politics, ethnicity, and religion is a double-edged sword with implications for restoring Myanmar’s democracy.
by Nyo Oo | August 2024
Summary:
As the historical ramifications of colonial policies and subsequent oppressive regimes deepened divisions, Myanmar's rich tapestry of cultures, ethnicities, languages, and religions has become a point of contention. The prevalence of identity politics entrenches persistent conflicts and complicates developing a cohesive national identity.
To move towards restoring democracy, local and international actors must acknowledge this diversity while working towards solidarity rather than endorsing identity-based narratives and institutional arrangements that perpetuate divides.
Despite its relatively small geographical size, Myanmar boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, ethnicities, languages, and religions. Whereas such a diversity of identity is one of Myanmar’s most captivating features, this beauty has transformed into a source of conflict, with identity politics playing a pivotal role in the nation’s ongoing struggles and power dynamics. Various actors throughout history have manipulated identity and exacerbated tensions. When some international actors take the same approach to assist Myanmar, the context inadvertently worsens.
In Myanmar’s post-independent intricate political landscape, the civilian-military relationship and ethnic majority-minority dynamics play at its core. After the recent military coup in 2021, many elites again highlighted complexities in identity politics. Their narrative has consequences on the dynamics between civilian and military relationships, stirring up the concerns of ethnic majority and minority groups. While many actors proposed federalism as a panacea to provide voice and representation for Myanmar’s diverse groups, overemphasising identity politics may otherwise further divisions and push the country into an endless conflict cycle.
Myanmar finds itself ensnared in the complication of identity politics, with domestic and foreign actors playing seemingly contradictory roles but exacerbating existing conflicts. Recent political scenarios highlight two key aspects: the paradox of identity politics for the actors concerned and the potential for an endless cycle of identity-based conflicts.
Outline:
Introduction
Colonial Foundations and Two Groups in Myanmar’s Identity Politics
Convergence on Politicising Religious Identities
Interactions in Politicising Ethnicity
The Trap of Identity Politics in Myanmar
Conclusion and Recommendations
Total: 10 Pages (2,873 words)
Note: The content withheld specific names or identifiable details by prioritising the safety and well-being of individuals and organisations involved. It was thoroughly researched, sourced from credible outlets, and reviewed by experts.
Nyo Oo (pseudonym) is a Myanmar political analyst and pro-democracy activist imprisoned for political offences under previous military regimes in Myanmar.