Security Challenges Journal

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Changing Myanmar: International Diplomacy and the Futility of Isolation

Author: Christopher B. Roberts

Volume 7, Number 4 (Summer 2011), pp. 77-101.

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of foreign relations with Myanmar. Due to increased trade with Myanmar and a rise in its strategic importance for countries such as China and India, attempts to enforce change through isolation have become increasingly futile. Despite this situation, the military regime has recently embarked on a series of political reforms that have the potential to improve the quality of governance and level of political freedom within the country. While some key leaders in the West are now acknowledging a degree of political progress inside Myanmar, the country continues to face Western sanctions and remains largely isolated from humanitarian aid. However, this article argues that the only choice is for the West to strengthen the present level of engagement and aid.

About the Author

Christopher Roberts is a Senior Lecturer at the National Security College within the Australian National University. Having lived in Japan and Singapore for over five years, he has extensive field experience in Asia including all the ASEAN nations. Christopher specialises in Southeast Asian security, politics and institutional developments. He has received various awards for his research including the Australian Government’s ‘Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Award’ in 2005. Aside from an earlier book entitled ASEAN’s Myanmar Crisis (ISEAS, 2010), Christopher has completed more than thirty other journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, commentaries and reports on issues relevant to the politics and security of the Asia-Pacific. c.roberts@anu.edu.au.