Myanmar on the Edge
Edge of Competition Main Page Chapter 7 Miemie Winn Byrd The edge of chaos is a dangerous place to dwell. — Niall Ferguson, adapted from Civilization: The West and the Rest (2010) Introduction Amid Indo-Pacific [...]
Transforming perceived disorganization into strategic strength
In her recent article in The Diplomat, "Myanmar’s Decentralized Resistance Is Too Resilient and Flexible to Crush," Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd examines the unexpected durability of Myanmar's resistance movement against the military junta. Contrary to past uprisings in 1988 and 2007, which were swiftly suppressed, the current resistance has not only endured but has also forced the military into a defensive stance. By late 2023, coordinated offensives by ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) had significantly weakened the junta's strategic position, leading resistance forces to advance toward the capital, Naypyidaw, by 2024.
Security Nexus Paper Explores India’s Strategic Role in Myanmar Amidst China’s Influence
A Security Nexus paper, “India’s Strategic Moment: Navigating Myanmar’s Crisis Amidst China’s Backing of the Junta,” by Miemie Winn Byrd, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, examines how China’s support for Myanmar’s military regime has fueled unrest while creating a strategic opportunity for India. The paper highlights rising anti-China sentiment in Myanmar and argues that India can redefine its role by engaging with pro-democracy forces and ethnic resistance groups. It outlines a roadmap for India to enhance its regional leadership through humanitarian aid, economic partnerships, and diplomatic advocacy.
Dialogue | Episode 39 Myanmar’s Four-Year Struggle: Dr Miemie Winn Byrd on Myanmar’s Resistance, Regional Stakes, and the Road Ahead
Myanmar marks four years since the military junta seized power, plunging the nation into ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd explores the resilience of the Myanmar people, the impact of China’s involvement, and the lessons learned from other conflicts like Syria in shaping the nation’s future.
Dr. Miemie Byrd’s latest article for the Diplomat
Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd’s latest article Myanmar is Not About to Become a ‘Fractured’ State was recently published by The Diplomat. Her article looks at political linkages between the country’s resistance groups, and their determination to build a federal democracy.
Is the Myanmar military on verge of falling from power?
In a new article for the Indo-Pacific Defense Journal, Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd highlights the potential collapse of Myanmar's military junta, which seized power in February 2021.
OpEd: A prescription to revive the Myanmar economy
Approaching the third anniversary of its internal conflict, Myanmar is currently experiencing a precarious state of disarray within the military junta and its armed forces, teetering on the verge of collapse. Recent setbacks have dealt a severe blow to their morale. Major border trade cities and towns in the north and west have been lost to the anti-junta resistance coalition. The military's once-unquestioned tactical air superiority is now showing signs of degradation, marked by successive aircraft losses in the skies.
Dr. Byrd briefs members of Japan’s Upper House
DKI APCSS’ Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd recently briefed the Members of Japan’s Upper House on the current situation in Myanmar. The meeting was convened and hosted by MP Mr. Masaharu Nakagawa, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee to Support [...]
Myanmar Economy in Tailspin, 2 Years after the Military Coup
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been in an economic freefall since the failed military coup of February 2021. The coup, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has resulted in widespread conflict, unrest, and international condemnation.
Another Strategic Error from Myanmar’s Military Junta
On Monday morning (July 25, 2022), Myanmar’s military junta released the news that they executed four political prisoners who were leaders in the movement for democracy. Social media went into over-drive expressing outrage, sorrow, and defiance against the military junta. Domestically and internationally, communities swiftly condemned the unjust execution of the democracy movement leaders.
