Insight Myanmar

Episode #280: Episode #280: In this episode, Matthew Schojan shares his deeply personal journey through recovery, spiritual practice, and public service. Beginning in his early teens, Matthew faced significant personal challenges and began using substances as a way to cope. In his early twenties, while living in New York, he made the life-altering decision to get sober—a turning point that opened the door to years of reflection, healing, and growth.Navigating sobriety came with its own struggles, including intense anxiety and the resurfacing of long-suppressed emotions. Seeking grounding, Matthew turned to yoga, meditation, and Buddhist study. He eventually found community and support through Dharma Punx, where mindfulness and recovery intersected in ways that resonated deeply with his lived experience.Over the years, Matthew immersed himself in Buddhist traditions—studying with respected teachers including Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo, Sayadaw U Tejaniya, Jack Kornfield, Martine Batchelor, and S.N. Goenka. His path included deep exploration across Zen, Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana lineages, grounding him in a pluralistic and practical understanding of meditation and service.After eight years of living and working in Thailand, Matthew and his family relocated to Myanmar, where he was struck by the distinct cultural and spiritual landscape. He reflects on the complex relationship between mental health and meditation, and how these tools can support well-being—both personally and across communities.Though recorded in 2020, Matthew’s reflections remain powerfully relevant. He discusses the gaps in mental health services in Myanmar, noting that even before the coup, an estimated 95% of people in need lacked access to care. In the current climate of political and social upheaval, these issues have become even more urgent, with mental health emerging as a growing focus for public dialogue and intervention.

Episode #279: “Having internet or having information is life and death in those areas If you have internet you can at least know if the airplanes are coming, if the battles are becoming intensive in the areas that you live. But without that you don't know anything! You cannot run away from air strike, you cannot run away if the airplane is over your head; there’s very little chance that you survive.” Bradley delves deeply into the complexities of internet usage and surveillance in Myanmar. He begins by sharing a historical overview, noting the internet’s relatively recent arrival in Myanmar compared to other countries. He discusses the exorbitant costs of SIM cards before the 2012 telecom revolution when mobile internet became widely available, transforming life in the country. This sudden access to the digital world, as Bradley explains, shook Burmese society, creating both opportunities and risks.The conversation explores the regime's efforts to control and restrict internet access, especially after the 2021 coup, highlighting the frequent use of internet shutdowns as a tool of oppression. As Bradley notes, these shutdowns represent the cyber evolution of the military’s notorious “four-cuts” strategy, where cutting off communication to and from “the enemy” is standard practice. However, the military's definition of “enemy” extends far beyond armed resistance groups to include civilians who are sympathetic to the opposition or hostile to dictatorial rule. The Rakhine State internet shutdown, which became one of the longest in the world, is cited as an example of the junta's strategy to suppress ethnic communities and protests. Bradley points out how these shutdowns, combined with surveillance, create severe isolation for affected communities, exacerbating social, economic, and educational divides.Bradley also touches on the resilience of the Burmese people, particularly youth activists, who have leveraged technology for resistance. Despite the challenges, these young people—digital natives—have used platforms like Signal for secure communication and coordination. Creative campaigns, such as PDF games and donation initiatives, illustrate how the resistance adapts in innovative ways. However, the regime's growing sophistication in digital repression, with support from foreign powers like Russia, continues to pose significant threats. This ongoing battle between oppression and resistance defines Myanmar's current digital landscape, a struggle that will influence the country’s future.

Episode #278: The 4th International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies (ICBMS) took place in August 2024, hosted by Chiang Mai University's RCSD. The event gathered scholars, activists, and experts to discuss Myanmar's political, social, and economic challenges, including conflicts, peace processes, human rights, and the 2021 coup's effects. With an estimated 800 attendees, it was one of the largest events of its kind on record.Insight Myanmar Podcast was granted exclusive access to record brief interviews with a variety of guests. These short clips cover many diverse topics, in contrast to our usual longform interviews with a single guest. This is part two of our four-part series, and features the following:Saijai, originally from Thailand, is a leading figure in documenting human rights abuses through open-source technology. She co-founded Myanmar Witness after the 2021 coup, focusing on monitoring online harassment, particularly against women activists and journalists, and providing technical, mental health, and documentation support to combat gendered online bullying.“Arabella," who uses a pseudonym for safety reasons, is an expert in digital security. She stresses the critical need for this in Myanmar, warning against the dangers posed by the military's advanced surveillance capabilities. She advocates for secure VPNs and cloud storage to protect sensitive information, while expressing deep admiration for the resilience and strength of the Burmese people.Ada, a medical doctor, shifted her focus to mental health support after the coup. She emphasizes the emotional toll of the conflict on Burmese society, particularly noting how men often struggle to express their emotions compared to women, and believes that personal emotional awareness is key to healing and supporting others.Joe Anderson, a 24-year-old from London, became deeply involved in Myanmar activism after the 2021 coup. He draws on his studies at Southeast Asian Studies (SOAS) and his work with diaspora groups, emphasizing an awareness of his positionality and privilege as a foreigner in the activism space.

Episode #277: Sean Turnell, an author, economic advisor, and former political prisoner, graced a podcast for the third time to share his insights on Myanmar's deteriorating financial situation. The military's relentless pursuit of hard currency has resulted in rampant resource exploitation, serving either the generals' personal wealth or the purchase of more arms (along with lining their cronies’ pockets) despite international sanctions aiming to curb their financial avenues.Turnell describes the junta's economic policy as practically non-existent, with no strategy for education, health, or foreign investment. A soaring inflation rate, a significant increase in military spending, and a decrease in health and education spending exacerbate the crisis for the Burmese people. In addition, the regime's unusual encouragement of private sector debt default shakes the very foundations of the country’s capitalist system. Turnell notes that the junta's focus seems to be on the daily scramble for foreign exchange, a shortsighted approach with no vision for the future.As for the NUG and other resistance groups, innovative financial strategies have been employed, from international war bonds to virtual banking. However, the challenge remains in navigating the funds safely without falling prey to the military or violating anti-money laundering laws. The use of cryptocurrency has emerged as a notable, albeit experimental, solution to these challenges.Despite the current turmoil, Turnell holds a hopeful view that a democratically elected government could restore the economy to its pre-coup state within a year. He praises the expertise of young Burmese policymakers around the globe, whose knowledge and skills are pivotal to Myanmar's economic recovery. Turnell's confidence in Myanmar's potential rebound hinges on the belief that these competent individuals will lead the way once the military's grip is finally loosened.

The stakes for Myanmar are very high in the upcoming US election. Given the two candidates’ different perspectives on international involvement, the transition to a new US administration will directly affect the way the country helps shape global responses to authoritarianism and human rights abuses. This is particularly true in Myanmar. The panel discussion focuses on how U.S. leadership might engage with Myanmar’s struggle for freedom and democracy in the post-election period.Panelists include:Scot Marciel, a seasoned U.S. diplomat, was the U.S. ambassador to Myanmar from 2016 to 2020. He now works with Stanford University and Asia-based initiatives, focusing on regional diplomacy and policy.Michael Haack has spent years advocating for stronger U.S. policy towards Myanmar, which includes leading the effort to pass the Burma Act, and secure funding for aid.Yun Sen is the Director of the China program at the Stimson Center, and an expert on China-Myanmar relations. She has closely monitored the geopolitical dynamics between China and Myanmar since 2008, focusing on border security and China's influence in Myanmar. Jack Myint is a non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He has worked extensively on economic affairs, navigating the complexities of Myanmar's business landscape and international engagement, especially post-coup.First, the panel delves into the likelihood of the military orchestrating a sham election, with guests suggesting that a Harris administration would likely approach it with skepticism. In contrast, they believe that a Trump administration could take a more unpredictable stance, adding that he also has a history of shaping policy through transactional deals.They also explored Russia's growing influence in Myanmar, noting that while Russia's involvement is opportunistic, U.S. policy remains more focused on countering China's influence; a Harris administration would be likely to continue supporting Myanmar’s democratic movements, whereas a Trump administration may deprioritize the issue. Finally, the panelists discussed the potential consequences of the Myanmar military being decisively defeated by resistance forces. They feel this could open the door for the U.S. to take a leading role in coordinating humanitarian relief and supporting democratic governance. However, concerns were raised about internal conflicts among ethnic groups, which could complicate the post-military landscape and make U.S. engagement more challenging, depending on how power is distributed and the stability of the new leadership.

Episode #275: Nyein Chan May's story is one of unyielding resilience and fierce commitment to justice in the face of overwhelming adversity. Born and raised in Myanmar, she grew up in a society steeped in patriarchal norms and military oppression. But Nyein Chan May refused to be confined by these outdated ideologies. She left Myanmar just before the coup to study political science and intersectional feminism in Germany, driven by a vision to dismantle the structures that sought to silence her and countless others.In the revolution that erupted after the military coup, Nyein Chan May recognized that the fight was not just against the junta but also against a deep-seated, patriarchal society, and sexist beliefs even within the resistance. She spoke out, unwavering, about the dual revolution that women in Myanmar must wage—against both the military dictatorship and the patriarchy that has oppressed them for centuries.As the Longyi Revolution unfolded, Nyein Chan May saw more than a protest against oppression; she saw a movement that could redefine what it meant to be a woman in Myanmar. She knew that true revolution would require dismantling not only the junta but also the deep-seated misogyny embedded in her society. Speaking truth to power, she connected with women on the frontlines, who were not just fighting for their country’s freedom but for their right to be seen, heard, and valued.“Women's rights and the rights of marginalized groups are not to be considered separately from the revolution!” she says. “If we understand the broader definition of the word, ‘revolution,’ it is not only about fighting against the military junta; it is about building a new society, about defending ourselves against these discriminatory ideologies. If you define yourself as an actor in the revolution, then stop thinking separately about women's rights and the rights of marginalized groups from the whole context of the revolution.”

Episode #274: Kyaw San Han, a former police captain turned dissident, offers a stark narrative of courage amid systemic oppression. Fleeing Myanmar with his family, he now lives in Japan, where he continues to advocate for democracy and resistance against the military junta. His journey began in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, a natural disaster that exposed the military's indifference to civilian suffering. Motivated by a desire to help, he joined the police force, only to encounter a regime intent on perpetuating fear and corruption. The police training he underwent was akin to prison, filled with physical abuse and brainwashing, designed to mold officers into instruments of oppression. Despite these challenges, Kyaw San Han remained steadfast in his commitment to justice. His pivotal role in aiding the Australian economic adviser, Professor Sean Turnell, underscores this dedication. Facing threats from superiors and navigating a treacherous escape to Thailand and then Japan, his story is a testament to resilience. In Japan, Kyaw San Han now collaborates with the National Unity Government, tirelessly advocating for international support against the junta. His narrative illuminates the profound courage required to stand against tyranny and the unyielding hope for a democratic future in Myanmar. “I would like all of you understand the brutality of the Myanmar junta and Min Aung Hlaing,” he says. “He is using his last strategy to make civilians fight each other! So, please, share my voice and my message to your friends and your family and everyone you know. If there is no dictator Min Aung Hlaing and his brutal regime, Myanmar will be a beautiful a peaceful country as we used to be in the past. Now the people of Myanmar are suffering a lot from the dictator Min Aung Hlaing. But the people of Myanmar, actually, we are kind and we are very friendly. So, now we need help from all of us from all of you.”

Episode #273: The 4th International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies (ICBMS), hosted by Chiang Mai University in August 2024, brought together over 800 scholars, activists, and experts to discuss Myanmar's political, social, and economic challenges, including the impact of the 2021 coup. Insight Myanmar Podcast was given exclusive access to cover the event, where we recorded brief interviews with a number of guests and covering a wide range of diverse topics. These interviews are being presented in a special, four-part series, of which this episode is the first. Guests include: Aung Zaw, founder and editor of The Irrawaddy. He has dedicated his career to independent journalism since the 1988 uprising, facing significant threats and intimidation from the Burmese regime, while remaining committed to democracy, press freedom, and exposing the truth about Myanmar's situation. Dr. Mar Mar Gyi, a Burmese anthropologist and filmmaker. She focuses on gender issues and the overlooked roles of women in Myanmar's history, emphasizing that feminist movements have deep local roots, and that Burmese women historically enjoyed significant rights that have been eroded by colonialism, nationalism, and militarism. Katie Julian, an education expert deeply involved in Myanmar's higher education system. She focuses on developing curriculum and training programs in non-state and ethnic-run sectors, emphasizing locally relevant materials and skills-based learning; she remains hopeful post-coup due to the resilience of Burmese educators and the emergence of informal education structures in IDP camps. Amy, a law graduate and activist. She has spent three years working on gender-based violence and child abuse cases, collaborating with NGOs to support human rights defenders and is now building networks in Thailand and Myanmar to provide legal aid and raise awareness about human rights issues in post-coup Burma. Sitthu, a law student and member of the Civil Disobedience Movement. He focuses on human rights research and believes in using law as a tool to address ethnic divides and expose Myanmar's human rights violations to both regional and global audiences, advocating for inclusive and just legal frameworks in the face of military oppression.

Episode #272: “I didn't want to be in a world where we have to keep watching people struggling for freedom and then getting suppressed and getting their dreams crushed. [In Burma,] it was mostly women and girls who were participating in the protests, even more than men! I prayed at that time… I'm not religious, but I just wished and prayed for some way to help. And from that point on, after that period of those very emotional few weeks, I felt like a changed person.”Initially a university activist in the US, Michael Sladnick’s focus shifted to Myanmar after the military coup in 2021. Deeply moved by the brutal repression of protests, he committed himself to the cause, learning Burmese and connecting directly with local activists and resistance fighters along the Thai-Burma border. During a recent trip to Karenni State with the Dutch journalist Thomas van Linge, Michael witnessed an unfolding humanitarian crisis, alongside the resilient spirit of the local population. Karenni, a state close to liberation, still faces ongoing airstrikes and artillery attacks. Civilians live in bombed-out villages, struggling with limited food, no electricity, and inadequate medical supplies. Yet, their determination to fight for democracy remains unwavering.Michael emphasizes the critical need for international support. He recently launched a campaign, "Final Step: Karenni to Naypyidaw," to raise awareness and funds for ammunition and humanitarian aid. He highlighted the inspiring collaboration among diverse ethnic groups in Karenni, working together against the military.“I firmly believe that the ‘above-ground revolution’ and public activism is just as important as the PDFs, especially for building international support,” he says in closing. “So we want to use this campaign to build something sustained to support those type of people as well as to support the humanitarian needs of refugees in all other parts of Myanmar. We're hoping that this is just the first step of that.”

Episode #271: During the anti-military protests of 1988, the man known as Monkey was just an observer. A friend asked him, “Are you a man? If you are a man, why do you just sit and look?”However, over the next 9 years, Monkey had the misfortunate of becoming more personally acquainted with the terror of the Tatmadaw, which regularly brought death and destruction to his community in Karenni state. When he reached his breaking point, he joined a Karenni resistance group, but he found that he was still looking for something more.His prayers found an answer in 1997, when he came into contact with David Eubank, the American missionary who founded the Free Burma Rangers (FBR). Monkey took advantage of their tutorials in basic medical aid as well as photojournalism. While their mobile medical clinic provided relief, Monkey conducted interviews and filmed footage to document the Tatmadaw's ongoing atrocities. Monkey eventually became an FBR trainer both in Myanmar and abroad. Although the Christian faith animates much of the work that Monkey and the wider FBR team do, they do not limit their service to Christian communities.Since the coup, Monkey and the FBR team have more than had their hands full in training the many Burmese youths who have flocked to their camps. Monkey is primarily charged with teaching them photojournalism. “We want the world to know what is happening in Burma,” he explains.As bad as the current times are, Monkey sees an opportunity for a degree of unity and solidarity that he has never before witnessed in his country. Still, he has seen too much to naively assume that disparate groups banding together could be enough to stand up against the Burmese military’s cruelty and inhumanity that knows no bounds. This is largely why he is so focused on raising awareness through photojournalism, so that the story of what is really happening in Myanmar gets out.