Promises Unfulfilled

Insight Myanmar

Episode #241: “When we look back now, it's easier to look at that [transition] period darkly and dismiss it and say it was kind of a mirage,” says Timothy McLaughlin. “I do think there was there was were some real things happening and definitely benefits. Was it equal across the board? Of course not. And was it halting? Yes, for sure.”

McLaughlin, a seasoned journalist, begins by highlighting the initial optimism and significant economic changes that took place during this transition period, such as the telecom revolution and banking reforms, which provided tangible benefits despite the overarching political uncertainties and sporadic violence. He then critiques US policy towards Myanmar at that time, suggesting that the Obama administration’s early attempts were genuine but ultimately superficial. The initial post-coup U.S. response, he also argues, was performative and lacked substantial impact, revealing a broader issue with the efficacy of sanctions. He points out the problematic relationship between U.S. actions and the complex dynamics of Myanmar's geopolitical environment, particularly the role of China and regional actors like ASEAN and Thailand.

The discussion also touches on the significant humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, emphasizing the need for more innovative and localized approaches to aid distribution. McLaughlin underscores the frustration and sense of abandonment felt by the Myanmar people, contrasting the international community's initial enthusiasm with its subsequent apathy post-coup.

“Myanmar is not going back to what it was,” he says. “What it is in the future, we obviously don't know. But I don't think it's going back to what it was in 2012, or the 2003 era. Something fundamentally is changing here, and it's going to take a while for that all to be seen and sorted. Unfortunately, it's probably going to mean more lost lives and destruction. But I do think that something different is going to emerge from all this.”