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Transition to Democracy or Hybrid Regime? The Dynamics and Outcomes of Democratization in Myanmar

Author

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  • Kristian Stokke

    (University of Oslo)

  • Soe Myint Aung

    (University of Oslo)

Abstract

This article analyzes Myanmar’s transition from authoritarianism and asks if it represents a transition towards democracy or a hybrid form of rule. Starting from theoretical debates about modes of transition, the article examines competing discourses on Myanmar’s opening and argues that it resembles an imposed more than a negotiated transition. Next, the article analyzes the links between this mode of transition and its outcomes, and finds that contemporary Myanmar is characterized by a combination of formal institutions for democratic representation, civilian government, and power-sharing, and problems of weak popular representation, limited civilian control of the military, and continued centralization of state authority. The article concludes that Myanmar’s political trajectory remains open-ended, but also that Myanmar, at least for the time being, seems more accurately described as a relatively stable hybrid regime than as a country that is in transition to democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristian Stokke & Soe Myint Aung, 2020. "Transition to Democracy or Hybrid Regime? The Dynamics and Outcomes of Democratization in Myanmar," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(2), pages 274-293, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:32:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1057_s41287-019-00247-x
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-019-00247-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Win Min, 2010. "Looking Inside the Burmese Military," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Lowell Dittmer (ed.), Burma Or Myanmar? The Struggle For National Identity, chapter 6, pages 155-184, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    2. Maung Aung Myoe, 2015. "Myanmar’s China Policy since 2011: Determinants and Directions," Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 34(2), pages 21-54.
    3. Tom Kramer, 2010. "Ethnic Conflict in Burma: The Challenge of Unity in a Divided Country," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Lowell Dittmer (ed.), Burma Or Myanmar? The Struggle For National Identity, chapter 3, pages 51-81, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
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    Cited by:

    1. Olayinka Akanle & Olamide S. Shittu, 2022. "The Unending Development Question of Nigeria," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(1), pages 321-342, February.
    2. Elin Bjarnegård, 2020. "Introduction: Development Challenges in Myanmar: Political Development and Politics of Development Intertwined," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(2), pages 255-273, April.

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