Democratization in Myanmar and the Arab Uprisings

Abstract

The “spring” that Myanmar is experiencing since 2012 has its own rationale and origins, but like democratic change elsewhere owes much of its principles and direction to Western ideas. Burmese reactions to the ‘Arab Spring’ have been mixed, with many Burmese disturbed by the unruly and violent nature of events in many parts of the Middle East. But even the problematic aspects of the ‘Arab Spring’ serve as a reminder to the Burmese authorities – as well as the Burmese people – that denying popular opinion is a high-risk strategy. Therefore, the ‘Arab Spring’ acts as a reinforcing underpinning for Myanmar’s own ongoing, and as yet unfinished, ‘democratization’ process.