Myanmar in 1989: Tatmadaw V

The Power Struggle Between the Military Junta and Democracy in Myanmar

“…Meanwhile, on the military junta or Tatmadaw, some works are useful such as Building the Tatmadaw: Myanmar Armed Forces Since 1948 by Maung Aung Myoe, an article 'Myanmar in 1989: Tatmadaw V' by James F. Guyot andJohn Badgley, andanother by Konsam Shakila Devi, 'Myanmar under the Military Rule 1962-1988'. Tatmadaw became one of the main focuses as they have been the key players and the core of the political episodes in Myanmar's timeline.…”

“…Overall, nothing much changed under the new rule, as it was still authoritarian and similar to Ne Win's administration, which followed the goal of socialism. Some of the only changes were the creation of a free-market economy, which benefitted the leading military families in doing business, then a few joint ventures, and more open foreign policies (Guyot & Badgley, 1990). These policies brought little changes to people's lives, and in many ways, the economy worsened, and people suffered.…”

“…The international responses to the 8888 Uprising also had detrimental effects on the economy of Myanmar. Guyot and Badgley (1990) described the response as outright condemnation, where the outside powers condemned Myanmar's government for their harsh suppression of the democratic uprising. The United States was among the international powers that suspended their aid, enforced trade bans, and charged the government with severe human rights abuse.…”