"Myanmar in Context: Internal Dynamics of Positive Change" with Dr.Maitrii Aung-Thwin

When:  Aug 20, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM (SGT)
Associated with  Singapore

Dr. Maitrii Aung-Thwin:

Maitrii Aung-Thwin is an area-studies specialist of Southeast Asia, with particular expertise in Myanmar history, politics, and society. He has twenty-three years of experience related to Myanmar and has provided advisory services for government, media, and business clientele. He holds a PhD in History from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. His research is concerned primarily with nation-building, politics, and resistance in Myanmar. He has published widely on Myanmar and Southeast Asia, including the following books: A History of Myanmar Since Ancient Times: Traditions and Transformations (2013), Return of the Galon King: History, Law, and Rebellion in Colonial Burma (2011) and A New History of Southeast Asia (2010).

Dr. Aung-Thwin is a trustee of the Burma Studies Foundation (USA), former president of the Burma Studies Group (USA), member of the Board of the Directors for the Association of Asian Studies (USA), and is on the editorial board of the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies. He currently holds a dual-appointment as Associate Professor of Myanmar/Southeast Asian History in the Department of
History and the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore.

Session Outline: 

The introduction of sweeping political and economic reforms by Myanmar’s President Thein Sein in 2011 surprised many international observers who doubted the government’s commitment to change following nearly sixty years of socialist-military rule. New government policies expanded the political landscape, relaxed media censorship, and welcomed foreign investment.Despite these developments, sectarian violence, ethnic tensions, and internal factionalism amongst political elites continue to complicate efforts to rebuild the country. Social cohesion remains a challenge as differences amongst groups are deepened by income disparity, education, and access to resources.  Questions surrounding the government’s ability to promote liberalization remain as stakeholders assert their different priorities. Dr. Maitrii Aung-Thwinassesses recent developmentsin their local contexts and provides an internal, localized perspective of the situation in Myanmar. 

Location

DBS Auditorium
Marina Bay Financial Centre
Level 3
Singapore, 018982