The Intelligence from The Economist Generals’ selection: Myanmar’s sham poll
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Dec 29, 2025 Aaron Connolly, an Asia diplomatic editor, sheds light on Myanmar's sham election orchestrated by the military junta, which has effectively sidelined all credible opposition. He discusses the weakening resistance due to lost support and highlights the junta's extreme tactics, including unconventional warfare methods. Meanwhile, Richard Cockett and Shashank Joshi delve into the allure of war films, contrasting classics like 'Saving Private Ryan' with 'Dr. Strangelove', and explore how modern technology reshapes cinematic portrayals of conflict.
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Iconic Protester Faces The Junta
- Tehza San led the first protest in Mandalay the day after the 2021 coup and became a national icon.
- He recently staged a daring market protest against the junta's sham election near military headquarters.
China Pivot Undermined Rebel Supply Lines
- China shifted from backing ethnic armed groups to constraining them once they threatened stability and investments.
- That cut crucial supply lines and ammunition flows to central Myanmar revolutionaries.
Aid Cuts Forced Rebels To Reallocate Funds
- Closure of USAID funding forced armed groups to divert military funds into humanitarian aid.
- This reallocation weakened successful resistance fronts and helped junta counteroffensives recapture territory.
