Insight Myanmar

Episode #315: Responding to the question of why he left a comfortable life in Australia to join the resistance against the Burmese military in Karenni state, Jay says, “I would just say it's the crimes against the children. I have a child myself, and we're extremely lucky to be in a Western country where my child can grow up relatively safe. Seeing the reels and videos about children being murdered pulled on my heartstrings, big time. That was the driving factor of me wanting to do something.”Inspired by a chance social media encounter highlighting atrocities committed by the military in Myanmar, Jay traveled to Karenni State to offer medical expertise he had learned during his stint in the Australian army. There, he found a region ravaged by violence largely overlooked by the international community, yet powered by an unyielding hope for freedom.Jay offers a harrowing portrait of his time in Karenni: traversing the unforgiving terrain; working in under-resourced and makeshift medical outposts; stumbling across atrocities; and seeing displaced families struggling to survive. Jay worked alongside Karenni fighters, providing life-saving medical care in the face of overwhelming challenges, including a devastating mine explosion that killed several and left others critically injured.His vivid accounts also stress the resilience and determination of the Karenni people. Whether describing children navigating life in refugee camps or the solemn unity of funeral ceremonies for fallen fighters, Jay paints a portrait of a community bound by courage and faith. Despite lacking funding or proper equipment, the Karenni fighters persist against the oppressive junta, motivated by a shared vision of liberation.In reflecting on his experiences, Jay expresses a deep sense of gratitude for his own circumstances and a renewed commitment to using his privileges to help others. “The Karenni people and the Burmese people are just strong,” he says. “They don’t get paid at all; they’re only in it for freedom. A lot of them have had families killed at the hands of Burmese soldiers, but their community takes care of them. This sense of unity is huge. You can just see it in their way of life.”

Episode #314: Celito Arlegue, the Executive Director of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), offers a reflective account of his organization's involvement with Myanmar. He discusses CALD's initial engagement with Myanmar’s National League for Democracy (NLD), providing training and support leading up to the 2015 elections, and recalls the optimism of that period, with many NLD members showing remarkable resilience despite years of imprisonment and torture. These experiences were life-changing for Arlegue, who was struck by the leaders' focus on national reconciliation and democratic progress instead of any justifiable animosity toward the military.However, Arlegue also admits that CALD was unprepared for the challenges the NLD would face in governance, particularly during the Rohingya crisis. The complexities of this crisis strained relations between CALD and the NLD, as the organization struggled to balance its support for democracy with the need to address human rights violations. Arlegue expresses regret that CALD did not do more during this period, acknowledging the difficulty of navigating such a delicate situation.In the aftermath of the 2021 military coup, CALD’s connections with Myanmar’s democratic forces have become increasingly difficult to maintain, as many leaders are now in exile or imprisoned. Arlegue underscores the importance of international recognition for the National Unity Government (NUG) and calls for greater support for Myanmar's resistance forces, including military aid. Despite the challenges, Arlegue remains hopeful, recognizing the extraordinary courage and determination of the Myanmar people in their fight for democracy and human rights.“I have to say that I'm really surprised that ASEAN is not recognizing this as a regional security issue,” he says. “The mere fact that it's happening within our borders, and as ASEAN, we could not do anything about it! It really baffles me why ASEAN is not doing enough on this particular issue.” Arlegue further calls on ASEAN to recognize the NUG and CRPH as “the legitimate voices of the Myanmar people.”

Episode #313: This second interview with Friedgard Lottermoser, recorded in 2023 before her she passed away on August 8th, 2024, delves deeper into her remarkable journey from wartime Berlin to Burma, where her life was inexorably shaped by her 1959 Vipassana course under Sayagyi U Ba Khin. She agreed to share her story only posthumously, due to concerns that the Goenka Vipassana Organization might block her acceptance to long-courses.This chapter of Friedgard’s story unfolds during her formative years in Burma, where she encountered the transformative teachings of U Ba Khin, a pioneering Burmese meditation teacher who emphasized Vipassana as a means of liberation. Through her reflections, she recounts profound spiritual breakthroughs, including instructions reserved only for advanced practitioners, which allowed her to experience deeper stages of meditation and the impermanence of existence.U Ba Khin’s mentorship shines as a cornerstone of her journey. His ability to guide students through advanced meditative states, such as the “bhaṅga,” is paired with his emphasis on self-discipline and spiritual resilience. Friedgard’s narrative also highlights her connection with Mother Sayama, whose rapid spiritual evolution and steadfast dedication exemplified the transformative potential of Vipassana. Meanwhile, the influence of Webu Sayadaw, who inspired U Ba Khin to teach widely, contextualizes the broader spiritual lineage in which these practices are rooted.Friedgard also reflects on the role of S.N. Goenka, one of U Ba Khin’s most prominent disciples. As Goenka transitioned from student to global teacher, his journey paralleled the spread of Burmese Vipassana worldwide, underscoring the universal applicability of these teachings.“When Goenka was successful in India, U Ba Khin has said, ‘Oh, I will go to India!’ That was shortly before his death. If he didn't die, he would probably try and get to India,” she says. “He thought he should be very encouraging of Goenka, so he used to say, ‘You are not doing this on your own. I'm behind you. You are doing it on my behalf. Don't worry, you will be successful.’”

Episode #312: August grew up in a loving household in Taunggyi, albeit one steeped in conservative values and connected to the military. But as he matured, his worldview began to diverge from his family’s, especially after he attended a pre-collegiate program where he heard firsthand stories of the military's brutality against ethnic minorities. These accounts shattered the narrative he had grown up with, creating a rift between him and his family, particularly his grandfather, who had once been involved in suppressing protests.August also faced challenges regarding his sexuality. Coming out as gay deepened the distance between him and his family, though his mother eventually showed signs of acceptance. This tension came to a head during the February 2021 military coup. August’s mother downplayed the coup, urging patience, but August felt an urgency to act. He joined student protests, which led to his expulsion from school, and ultimately, to his leaving home.The risks of staying in Myanmar grew, with threats from the military and sexual harassment from a civil society supervisor forcing August to flee to Thailand in November, 2022. In Chiang Mai, he found a supportive community of like-minded exiles. He organizes protests, used art as a form of activism, and remains committed to the resistance. Despite the struggles, August’s story is one of resilience, community, and an unyielding hope for a free Myanmar.Reflecting on his journey and the state of the resistance, August says, “We take some time to take a rest, to take a break, and we regenerate, re-energize, and come back to support again and again. You get burned out because you are putting a lot of yourself out. It's like a vicious cycle [for us].” However, he is still filled with optimism that they will eventually preserve. “What I am proud the most is because of our work, we could wake the emotions so that we can be part of the revolution again.”

Episode #311: Paul Salopek’s Out of Eden Walk is an extraordinary journey that retraces the migration paths of early Homo sapiens while examining the intersections of history, culture, and modernity. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Salopek embarked on this transcontinental project in 2013 traveling by foot, starting from Africa’s Rift Valley; it will end in Tierra del Fuego. As he walks, experiences humanity’s age-old urge to move, he collects stories and makes connections with the landscapes and people he encounters, finding humanity’s shared struggles and triumphs.In early 2020, Salopek waked into Myanmar, where he experienced the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup that followed. Stranded in a rural village, he documented the skillful ways that local farmers adapted to isolation and scarcity; he immersed himself in their routines. Later, quarantined in a hotel in Yangon during the coup’s early days, he observed the city’s descent into chaos. He prepared for uncertainty by storing water and food.Salopek witnessed the courageous resistance of Myanmar’s youth, who improvised weapons in their fight against the heavily armed junta, wielding trash-can lids as shields and crafting makeshift bows and arrows. Despite their bravery, the brutal crackdown highlighted the tragic power imbalance between civilians and the regime. These experiences left Salopek reflecting on the systemic media neglect of crises like Myanmar’s, which he compared to underreported conflicts in Africa. He argued that a lack of strategic resources and geopolitical significance often relegates such struggles to global obscurity.Amid this neglect, Salopek praised the resilience of Myanmar’s people, who, despite immense challenges, continued to resist and document their plight. “Keep Myanmar in your heart,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of sustained attention and solidarity for those enduring these crises.

In this bonus episode, we are sharing four interviews conducted by the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB).First, Isabel Todd, the coordinator at the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar⁠ (SAC-M), discusses international advocacy on Myanmar. The SAC-M was founded by three international experts on Myanmar following the 2021 military coup. Next, a new cyber safety campaign called Stop Online Harm was launched last year in Myanmar. Its program lead, Hetty, shares how its resources and technology tools help build capacity and raise awareness, as well as develop strategies for change from global technology companies and governments. Third, Ashley South, the author of “Conflict, Complexity and Climate Change,” talks about the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan from Nov. 11-22. He introduces the Kawthoolei Climate Action Plan, which was presented by two Karen leaders at COP29 and will be officially announced sometime this year.Last, Noor Azizah, the co-founder of the Rohingya Maiyafuinor Collaborative Network, shares about the launch of the Rohingya women and refugee-led organization. Their team now works on human rights and education with refugee and diaspora communities, focusing on women, peace and security. One year after the launch of RMCN, her team has visited Rohingya women and children to provide support in Indonesia and Malaysia. 

Episode #310: Mike shares an in-depth look at the Burma Front during World War II, emphasizing the forgotten contributions of Merrill's Marauders, a U.S. long-range penetration unit tasked with seizing the Myitkyina airfield. The airfield was crucial in maintaining Allied supply lines, but the mission was grueling, with only 130 out of 2,750 soldiers remaining combat-fit by the end.In 1995, Mike accompanied veterans on an emotional return to Burma to revisit wartime locations, including Myitkyina. But the trip was marred by strict military oversight from the Burmese junta, who attempted to co-opt the visit for their own propaganda purposes. Nevertheless, the veterans succeeded in reconnecting with key sites and honoring their fallen comrades, and recovering the remains of U.S. servicemen missing in action, which was complicated by sensitive political barriers, but resolved through the involvement of Senator John McCain.The discussion also delves into Mike's spiritual journey with Burmese mysticism, particularly the weikza tradition, which blends meditation and supernatural beliefs. Mike describes how this practice influenced his perspective on Burma, helping him understand its complexities through both historical and spiritual lenses. He came to believe that he had been a member of the Ta'ang ethnic group in a past life, deepening his connection to Burma's cultural heritage."The thing is, see things as they really are, and then act with skillful action," Mike says, urging listeners to strip away biases and conditioned perspectives to truly understand Burma's complex realities. "Stop it! You have colored glasses on through a conditioned mind, and you're making wrong decisions about Burma and everything else, and what is Myanmar, and so we have to do is clear that conditioned mind and see things as we are and deal with things right there."

This interview was recorded before the recent suspension of USAID programs under the Trump administration, which has placed the future of the Diversity and Inclusivity Scholarship Program (DISP) in jeopardy. As a USAID-supported initiative that equips Burmese educators with skills for inclusive and culturally relevant teaching, the program that Maw Maw Tun and Chan Lwin describe in this episode now faces uncertainty about its continuation.Episode #309: Myanmar's educational landscape has faced immense challenges, especially due to the the COVID-19 pandemic, and then the 2021 military coup, which created significant barriers for marginalized communities. Despite these difficulties, individuals like Chan Lwin and Maw Maw Tun are working to make education more inclusive and adaptive across Myanmar. Chan and Maw lead the Diversity and Inclusivity Scholarship Program (DISP), an initiative supported by USAID that aims to empower teachers. Chan oversees DISP’s strategic direction, while Maw is lead instructor, conducting weekly Zoom sessions that help educators adapt blended learning methods to fit their communities. Their collaboration ensures that teachers not only gain skills but also receive ongoing support in applying these skills effectively.Historically, Myanmar's education system has been centralized, controlled by state ideology, and emphasizing rote learning. The 2011 political reforms encouraged some changes, but disparities persist, especially between urban and rural areas. The pandemic highlighted these inequities as schools moved online, and rural students faced a lack of access to reliable internet and devices.DISP is dedicated to empowering educators, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Teachers from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds are involved to create a more representative and culturally sensitive curriculum. They are also supported in creating resources in their native languages, which helps make education more meaningful and accessible. Maw emphasizes the importance of starting with what is possible: “We have to start with ourselves—doing what is possible now. It's not about a perfect scenario but about making a real difference with what we have.” This encapsulates the spirit of DISP, empowering local educators to shape their own paths and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for Myanmar's education system.

Episode #308: “Stop saying that, 'Oh, China is in Cambodia. Vietnam is in Cambodia. We will never be able to win the war and to go back to Cambodia. Stop putting that into your mind. Stop living in fear! One thing I learned from Aung San Suu Kyi is living in fear. I refuse to live in fear. Live beyond that.”Mu Sochua, an exiled Cambodian politician, reflects on her journey from the devastation of the Khmer Rouge genocide to advocating for democracy and justice. A tireless opponent of Hun Sen’s authoritarian regime, Sochua recounts Cambodia’s history of war, resistance, and the transformative efforts she has led to empower women and rebuild society. Her campaign redefined cultural norms by elevating the status of women, a symbolic victory that spurred legislative change.Sochua draws strength and inspiration from Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, admiring their creativity and defiance against military oppression. She highlights the National Unity Government’s efforts to maintain essential services, presenting them as a model for Cambodia’s diaspora-led resistance. She also met with Aung San Suu Kyi, which reinforced her belief in leadership that combines compassion and resolve, inspiring Sochua’s vision for a unified Cambodian movement.Critiquing Cambodia’s reliance on cybercrime and unchecked environmental exploitation for income, Sochua emphasizes the urgency of systemic reform. She urges the Cambodian diaspora to overcome disunity and advocate collectively for change, warning that fragmentation undermines international support. Despite exile, Sochua leads the Khmer Movement for Democracy, lobbying for sanctions and preparing for free and fair elections.“When we heard that there is a part of NLD, there is a group that will go for arms conflict, at first we were shocked! We were not in favor. And then, the question is, 'So, what's the what's the solution? Do we wait for ASEAN? Does Myanmar continue to wait for ASEAN, for the international community?' No, and lowering the tenacity, the resilience, the pride or the history of the people of Myanmar that have suffered so much, have fought so much. This is the last fight.”

Episode #307:  Ashley South's exploration of Myanmar began as a journey into the unknown. He first worked with Karen refugees in Thailand, where he struggled to deal with the many cultural and religious differences. But over time, his understanding of Myanmar was transformed, deepening his connection with the people.Traveling extensively through Kachin, Shan, and Mon states, South's insights reveal Myanmar not as a true “nation state,” but more a tapestry of distinct, ethnic identities, and a colonial creation held together by force. While advocating for the assertion of ethnic identities, he highlights the challenges of ethnic identity politics, acknowledging the risks of an exclusionary movement and intragroup conflict, like the fragmented Karen nationalist movement. For South, an inclusive, federal government is the only way forward that would prevent Myanmar from fragmenting into isolated enclaves.The impact of climate change is another key concern for South. He explains that rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events will severely impact Myanmar, particularly its agricultural base. Coastal regions like the Irrawaddy Delta face significant risks due to rising sea levels, which could displace millions."I don't expect the state of Myanmar to recover in my lifetime, partly for political reasons," he says soberly towards the end of the discussion. "But also [stemming from] the impacts of climate change, I think that these are going to be devastating. And so I don't expect a coherent Myanmar state to recover. I think that does have massive humanitarian implications, which will inevitably drive huge suffering and displacement, which are not things to celebrate. But also it does create a political opportunity for the reemergence of these identities and associated political spaces that have arguably really been suppressed since the emergence of the modern nation-state."