Thein Sein Goes to Washington, China Goes to the Burmese Opposition
Before Burma’s president makes his landmark visit to the United States, Beijing makes a bid to woo Burma’s opposition leaders.
The Dictators: Part 10—Than Shwe Enjoys Absolute Power
With his rivals dispatched and predecessor Ne Win under house arrest, Snr-Gen Than Shwe is free to enjoy the pleasures of absolute power.
The Dictators: Part 9—Than Shwe Becomes King
Than Shwe’s position as dictator of Burma becomes undeniable as his rivals fall by the wayside and even Ne Win is placed under arrest.
The Dictators: Part 8—Khin Nyunt Overplays his Hand
Than Shwe consolidates power while infighting between senor military figures sees Khin Nyunt’s position become increasingly precarious.
The Dictators: Part 7—Than Shwe’s Reign Begins
The deteriorating health of SLORC Chairman Saw Maung and a successful campaign against ethnic insurgents sees Ne Win install Than Shwe as junta chief.
The Great Game Over Burma
As the former pariah state shakes off pawn status, the playing field transforms—and world powers like China and the United States make moves for influence.
The Dictators: Part 6—Popular Dissent Grows
Burma’s deteriorating economic situation leads to a growth in student activism and Ne Win to order yet another military coup.
The Dictators: Part 5—Ne Win Promotes Than Shwe
Ne Win’s paranoia opens the door for the understated and stealthy Than Shwe to assume power in the shadows.
The Dictators: Part 4—Ne Win’s Paranoia Grows
Tin Oo feels Ne Win’s wrath as the dictator’s paranoia takes hold, leaving the door open for a new generation of loyal generals.
The Dictators: Part 3—Military Intelligence
Burma’s infamous military intelligence comes to the fore under the guidance of junta “number one-and-a-half” Tin Oo.
The Dictators: Part 2—Ne Win Tightens his Grip
Gen Ne Win cements his position ruling Burma while Than Shwe rises up the ranks in the background.
The Dictators: Part 1—The Rise of Ne Win
Burma’s brutal dictator Ne Win was a product of the first struggle for independence and the era of communist and socialist ideology.
Disquiet on the Western Front
Communal violence in Rakhine State could undo Myanmar’s efforts to rehabilitate its standing in the world.
Time to Embrace the West
US President Barack Obama’s visit should be treated as a new beginning rather than an end product.
A Brief Encounter with Former Spy Chief Khin Nyunt
Khin Nyunt, once one of the most feared men in Burma, cuts a very different figure these days, particularly when he meets former enemies.