The Historical Context of Myanmar's Struggle

Myanmar's history is marred by cycles of dictatorship and conflict, particularly since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The military, known as the Tatmadaw, has maintained a grip on power through coups, most notably in 1962 and again in 2021. Aung San Suu Kyi's government, once heralded as a symbol of democracy, ultimately turned a blind eye to the military's atrocities against ethnic minorities, including the Rohingya. These historical dynamics set the stage for the ongoing struggles of various ethnic armed organizations and the civilian population advocating for freedom and democracy.