Does transition matter? Managing natural resources conflict in Myanmar

• Main Author: Ning, Jie
• Other Authors: Wu Fengshi
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Political science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69822
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This research examines the management of natural resources conflict in Myanmar during the period of political transition by comparing two cases, the Myitsone dam project and the Letpadaung copper mine project. It intends to answer two core questions. Firstly, what are the factors affecting the outcome of natural resources conflict in Myanmar during political transition. Secondly, has the transition changed the dynamics of the above-mentioned factors and promoted the settlement of related conflicts? After analyzing the interactions among the central government, the opposition, social forces, external powers and other involved actors in the two cases, this research concludes that central-periphery relations, strategies of involved actors and external pressure collectively determine the outcome of Myanmar's natural resources conflict during the period of political transition. Meanwhile, strategies of involved actors and external pressure have changed during the transition while the problem of central-periphery relations still exists and strongly affects the outcome of natural resources conflict in Myanmar.