Myanmar Up Close

Myanmar’s top-down transition from over 50 years of harsh military rule to an elected government led by long-celebrated democracy and human rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi brought hope that the country’s moment for political and economic transition had truly come. While Myanmar has certainly made strides, in the past few years these have largely slowed, and political and economic power has remained rooted in the hands of the military. Tragedies and challenges have abounded, from the horrific treatment and plight of the Rohingya, to increased violent conflict between the military and various other ethnic groups, to hampered economic reform, strained bilateral relationships, governance challenges, and more.

Given these and other challenges, where are the opportunities for a positive way forward? What’s next for Myanmar’s transition?

Join us for a discussion with Ambassador Derek Mitchell, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar from 2012 to 2016. He will be joined in conversation by the Asia Society Policy Institute’s (ASPI) Debra Eisenman, who recently returned from Myanmar, and is the author of an ASPI report on the state of Myanmar’s transition and recommendations for ways forward.