Book Review: The Hidden History of Burma: Race, Capitalism, and the Crisis of Democracy in the 21st Century by Thant Myint-U
This book is a must-read, by the grandson of former Secretary-General of the United Nations U Thant. There are uncanny analogs (in substance, not necessarily degree) between Burma/Myanmar and other countries, including the US. Here you’ll find a narrative in objective voice of tribal conflict, racial hatred, populist and nationalist resentment, as well as fear and loathing of immigrants and the resultant persecution of them. Add to this mix a long history of post-colonial authoritarian military rule and the normalized corruption accompanying it, along with the related destructive social and environmental effects of unrestrained crony Capitalism producing caste-like inequality. Even after advice a few years ago from Nobel economics laureate Joseph Stiglitz, (my impression from the book is that) much of the population still seems to accept neoliberalism as the order of the day.
There was and still is hope that the rise of Aung San Suu Kyi, once imprisoned but now the country’s “State Counsellor” (in effect the practical head of state), will solidify truly democratic reforms and begin to improve the economy and social relations between the disparate ethic groups that comprise the population of Myanmar. The allegations of genocide against the Rohingya that occurred while Suu Kyi was in power provide a stark reminder that no human is perfect, and that reform is rarely easy.
I see lessons for the US in all this. At whatever point the Democrats regain control of the state mechanism, it would be tragic if they then claimed that by just getting there their task was completed. There is and will be a lot more work to do—by everyone. We all must ensure that we see to getting it done.
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