Myanmar in Focus

Karaoke Bars in Myanmar: Hubs of Injustice and Resilience | Transnational Institute Karaoke bars (KTV) in Myanmar bring together people from all walks of life – for better or worse. This commentary explores the controversy surrounding KTVs and argues that understanding them reveals m...

In this new TNI commentary, Kira explains how Karaoke bars (KTVs), despite their controversial reputation, have become important centres for resilience and social meeting amidst the struggles in Myanmar. www.tni.org/en/article/k...

The Arakan Army's Struggle for Regional Sovereignty | Transnational Institute The devastating earthquake which struck Myanmar last week has brought international attention to the civil war and national breakdown in the country at a critical time. The humanitarian emergency is s...

After the earthquake disaster, distrust of the SAC remains high. As Naing Lin analyses, the Arakan Army and its allies have made notable advances in resistance and self-governance since the 2021 coup, raising the question could a new 'Union of the Republics' be evolving?: www.tni.org/en/article/t...

Fear to Enjoy | Transnational Institute A Myanmar Commentary by Alvina*The peoples of Myanmar are resilient, with aspirations undimmed for their country despite the challenges they face every day. But in this poignant commentary, Alvina exp...

In this poignant commentary, Alvina describes the personal toll that disaster after disaster is taking amidst military misrule, repression and conflict. The pressures on civil society are relentless. As she asks, don't people in Myanmar 'deserve to be happy like others?': www.tni.org/en/article/f...

Myanmar Earthquake | Transnational Institute As the devastating earthquake on 28 March exposed, disaster is following disaster for the peoples of Myanmar. In this commentary, Lahkyen Roi describes how people face multiple challenges across the c...

Lahkyen Roi explains how multiple crises worsen disasters in Myanmar: from military rule and conflict to poverty and climate change. As she cautions, international actors must practise 'do no harm' principles to address earthquake suffering. The SAC must not be sustained: www.tni.org/en/article/m...

What Way Out Is Awaiting The Mon People In The Future? | Transnational Institute Amidst suffering and conflict, the Mon people are at a precarious crossroads in Myanmar. Following the 2021 coup by the military SAC, the New Mon State Party tried to stay neutral by its 1995 ceasefir...

Meanwhile the struggles continue. In a new TNI commentary this week, Kun Wood explains the community sufferings behind last year's NMSP split, arguing that unity is the key answer and greatest defence for the Mon people and cause: www.tni.org/en/article/w...

The Disaster Loop | Transnational Institute The massive earthquake of 7.7 magnitude which hit Myanmar yesterday is just the latest humanitarian disaster on top of humanitarian disaster to hit the country and its long-suffering peoples under one...

Disaster follows disaster amidst conflict and military rule in Myanmar. Misinformed international aid may try to bail out the SAC regime. If so, the 'disaster loop' will continue, with the people having to survive on their own through suffering, resistance and repression: www.tni.org/en/article/t...

The Inspiring Model of Community Conserved Territories in Myanmar | Transnational Institute A Myanmar Commentary by the Karen Environmental and Social Action NetworkAmidst conflict and displacement, the need to preserve the lands of the people and natural environment is urgent. But visionary...

Amidst civil war, the Thawthi Taw-Oo Indigenous Park has been launched to protect local ways of life. As KESAN explains in a new commentary, the goal is not simply to bring communities together but to establish environmental practices and reforms into future generations: www.tni.org/en/article/t...

The Conflict Trap in Myanmar | Transnational Institute TNI has introduced a series of podcast interviews with Martin Smith* on the conflict history of Myanmar. Through extensive travels and experiences, he has researched and reported about Burma/Myanmar a...

In a new series of TNI podcasts, veteran analyst Martin Smith reflects on the cycles of conflict and state failure in Myanmar, arguing that only political solutions will achieve peace, justice and long-needed reforms that reach to all peoples: www.tni.org/en/article/t...

Challenges for Change in Myanmar | Transnational Institute 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of TNI’s foundation and a poignant moment for reflection on the enduring socio-political crisis in Myanmar. A nexus of scholars, activists and policy-makers, areas of T...

On our 50th anniversary, a TNI commentary analyses why hopes and groundwork continue to grow in support of inclusive reform, political solutions and an end to military rule today, not at an uncertain time in the future: www.tni.org/en/article/c...