One year on from the military coup in Myanmar... what comes next?

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2022, AT 12PM AEDT.

On 1 February 2021, Myanmar's Armed Forces, also known as the Tatmadaw, launched a coup seizing power from the democratically elected and incumbent government, the National League for Democracy (NLD). The military takeover occurred just hours before the newly elected parliament was scheduled to convene, dashing hopes for democratic progress in the country. Soldiers and paramilitary police met the nationwide protests that followed with killings, torture, abductions and mutilation of bodies.

The violence has precipitated an armed uprising the likes of which Myanmar has not hitherto seen, with urban guerrillas targeting local police and administrators, government offices and state-owned companies. A government in exile has declared war on the junta, which has shown precious few signs of willingness for compromise. Meanwhile, confidence has collapsed in the country's formal economy and currency, while all the while coronavirus has spread and caused the deaths of untold numbers of people.

Can newly formed armed resistance to dictatorship in Myanmar dislodge the country's military from government where unarmed opposition has failed? What are the prospects for the exiled National Unity Government? Whither the NLD? What, if anything, can other governments and international organisations do?

Co-organised by the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) and the Australian National University (ANU) Myanmar Research Centre, this event will invite panellists to reflect on the politics, law and current affairs of Myanmar before and after the coup, and what can be expected in the near future.

Please note that by registering for this event, you will automatically be subscribed to the SSEAC mailing list. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss accessibility requirements, please feel free to email: sseac@sydney.edu.au.