Why Myanmar matters

Among the current world events with global implications is the anti-government demonstrations in Myanmar, now on its ninth day with no sign of abetting. This is an offshoot of the military “coup” against the duly-elected members of the parliament that were to replace the previous parliament dominated by the military. While their constitution reserves 25% of the parliament for the military, the 80% win of the civilian party would greatly diminish military influence, so the army annulled the election results. Almost all of the civilian parliamentarians and government officials led by Aung San Suu Kyi were arrested and detained/removed from power. The anti-military takeover demonstrations are from all sectors of society, doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, and even civil servants. They demand the release of Suu Kyi and the return to civilian government.

The United Nations has passed resolutions demanding the release of the political prisoners, the European Union and ASEAN followed with similar resolutions straddling the non-interference agreements. The US government under President Biden imposed economic sanctions on Myanmar military rulers, freezing $1 billion of their assets in the US. There is also a global condemnation of the coup and the subsequent suppression of demonstrators. No one is sure how this will be resolved. The military could go back to the severe bloody repression that they did in 1988 and 2007, or they could accede to the civilian demands for a path to more civil liberties and democracy. Either way, there will be economic, political, and ideological consequences and implications.

Myanmar, with 57 million people as of 2019 is a developing country with a GDP of $75 billion and a nominal per capita GDP of $1,245, that translate into a purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita of $6,700. Compare this to the Philippines 107 million population, nominal GDP of $400 billion, a nominal per capita GDP of $6,800 and PPP per capita GDP of $9,270. In the same year, Myanmar has 25% of their people below the poverty line while the Philippines had 16%. By global standards, while the Philippines is a poor country, Myanmar is worse than us, and the main reason for this is the crippling blow to their economy in 1988 and 2007 when the military took over the government, which stifled and retrogressed private enterprise. Since that time until 2018, domestic and foreign investments stalled. Civilian participation in government was allowed in 2019, but 50% of the economy was controlled by the military and its cronies. The obvious similarity with the Philippines was the martial law years up to 1986 under Marcos which also set back the economy for years.

The obvious direct correlation between freedom/free enterprise and economic development is historically proven and exemplified by the higher economic status of democratic countries over totalitarian states. Even Russia and China which are ruled by autocratic regimes had conceded this by blending their dictatorial policies with free market economics to grow their economies and appease the people. This blended policies of Russia and China will be put to the test in the next 20 years as the current high economic status of the Nordic countries like Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway have already proven that democratic governments promote inclusive economic growth and better wealth distribution.

Politically and ideologically, the events in Myanmar is a demonstration of the universal desire for truth, justice, and freedom which can be realized in democratic governance. Democracy is an ideal and democratic governments are difficult because rulers always want unlimited powers. Democracy is always a work in progress, always to be fought for and protected. It becomes personal because it will eventually affect your life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. So, many times many people will die for it in many countries.