Narcos: Myanmar

Oct 10, 2023

The podcast explores the drug trade in Myanmar and its impact on the nation's destiny, including its historical origins, widespread corruption, and exploitation. It delves into the shift from heroin to methamphetamine production, the dominance of Chinese crime cartels, and the lack of Western attention. The chapters cover various topics such as the complexity of Myanmar, drug addiction and vigilante justice, Myanmar's transition to semi-democracy, the role of Generation Z in the resistance movement, the impact on neighboring countries, the military's funding for oppression, and calls for support of humanitarian initiatives.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Myanmar: A Complex and Understudied Nation

02:01 • 30min

The History of the Drug Trade in Myanmar

31:31 • 12min

The Complexities of Drug Addiction and Vigilante Justice in Myanmar

43:24 • 17min

Myanmar's Transition to Semi-Democracy and its Impact on Narcotics Trade

01:00:25 • 22min

The Power of Generation Z in Myanmar's Resistance Movement

01:22:01 • 12min

The Impact of Political Unrest on Lawlessness and Potential Spillover Effects

01:34:13 • 5min

The Impact of the Narcotics Trade on Myanmar's Military Funding

01:39:15 • 12min

Supporting Humanitarian Initiatives in Myanmar

01:51:29 • 3min

Episode #193: In Myanmar's tumultuous landscape, Patrick Winn urges us to see the drug trade not as a moral dilemma but as a potent force shaping the nation's destiny. This trade is a means to amass power, manipulate borders, and influence Myanmar's very future, much like how Saudi Arabia was changed by the discovery of oil there.

Winn's perspective on the multibillion dollar drug trade is pragmatic; it's a colossal industry, akin to Fortune 500 companies, driven by ruthless individuals who'll go to any lengths for profit. He traces the Golden Triangle’s origins back to Chinese Nationalist soldiers who, with clandestine CIA support during the Cold War, turned to opium and heroin production after they failed to overthrow Mao and Communist China. This had the unintended consequence of addicting American soldiers in Vietnam, and eventually making its way into the US.

Over time, the drug trade has become deeply ingrained in Myanmar, affecting not only the country’s governance but leading to widespread corruption and exploitation. Recent shifts have seen drug lords pivot to methamphetamine production, significantly boosting profits, as meth profits now far outpace heroin. Chinese crime cartels dominate the landscape, using a "landlord model" for drug cultivation, with profits going to those ethnic militias which provide them space. Surprisingly, the West pays little attention to the Golden Triangle's thriving drug trade because it mostly caters to local demand across Asia, leading to the devastate of local communities.

Illicit narcotics is a major factor in the political mix of post-coup Myanmar. Besides enriching the military, it largely funds the United Wa State Army (UWSA). The UWSA is a very strong and well-armed ethnic defense force that has so far managed to hold itself apart from the conflict. Thus, its role in helping shape the country’s political future remains uncertain.

“The real revolution that's already happening, is the beginning of this feeling of unity between the lowlands and the highlands,” Winn says in closing. “And if that if that doesn't work, then the revolution won't succeed.”