Seizing the State: The Emergence of a Distinct Security Actor in Myanmar
As the violence in Myanmar continues to escalate, the NUG and its People's Defense Forces constitute a distinct security actor in Myanmar's renewed civil war. The NUG's fundamental political objective in this military struggle is to seize the central state apparatus, which necessitates a strategy that takes the fight to the Tatmadaw and contests Myanmar's central regions and urban areas. Success will require overcoming serious limitations, such as a lack of anti-air capabilities and heavy equipment, as well as disunity and minimal command and control. However, if the NUG can unite the opposition, establish a base area, and develop an effective command and control, it stands a chance of seizing the state from the military junta.
Read more in this new report from the Asia Program by Ye Myo Hein and Lucas Myers.
Authors
Visiting Scholar, US Institute of Peace; Former Executive Director, Tagaung Institute of Political Studies
Indo-Pacific Program
The Indo-Pacific Program promotes policy debate and intellectual discussions on US interests in the Asia-Pacific as well as political, economic, security, and social issues relating to the world’s most populous and economically dynamic region. Read more
