Category: Opinion

The latest opinion from those committed to making our region fair, just and democratic.


After Afghanistan, how credible is Joe Biden’s talk of support for democracy and opposition against authoritarianism around the world?

Myanmar under the coup regime has been in a Zero Sum popular armed revolution, yet the Biden White House has offered Myanmar's human rights defenders and pro-democracy revolution nothing more than empty statements. This is discussed on the next FORSEA Dialogue on Democratic Struggles in Asia.

/ December 7, 2021

The Historic Significance of the Farmers’ Struggles in India

Ten days ago, Prime Minister Modi was forced to repeal all the pro-corporate agricultural laws, signalling the regime's defeat at the hands of a determined, well-organized and uncompromising farmers' movement. This FORSEA Dialogue on our YouTube channel is dedicated to this historic and historically significant victory by the Indian farmers.

/ December 2, 2021

From Auschwitz to Myanmar

FORSEA Co-founder Dr Maung Zarni shared his thoughts on the recurring genocides around the world, despite the Genocide Convention of 1948 and the Security Council, tasked to maintain peace in the world, 26 November 2021.

/ November 27, 2021

Merdeka, Melayu and Muhibbah: Contradictions of Malay(sian) Nationalisms

Without a political or social revolution to rewrite our founding myths and foundational race narratives, the only conceivable path forward at this moment is a combination of creed and crucible — a multiethnic harmony that is underpinned by constitutional protections.

/ November 24, 2021

Why Have Myanmar Activists Begun Talking, Approvingly, about Balkanizing Their Country?

I want to spell out clearly my stance on this taboo subject: I see the Balkanization of Myanmar as the only viable end to what the overwhelming majority of Burmese public, including religious and ethnic minorities, experience as a home-grown Fascist occupier.

/ November 11, 2021

“Silent Voices”? The Subaltern Can Speak & Have Always Spoken

If activists are unwilling to be better allies to marginalised groups, they risk becoming complicit in silencing them.

/ November 5, 2021

The Balkanization of Myanmar: Minorities’ Solution to 70-years of the Colonial Rule & Political Repression?

The next FORSEA Dialogue on Democratic Struggles Across Asia discusses Myanmar with Rual Lian Than, an ethnic Chin researcher and activist.

/ November 3, 2021

Yugoslavia bang kawlram hi vawleipi map in thlau asi lai lo tiah chim ngam asi hnga maw?

Chin language article with English summary – The Balkanization of Myanmar – Deeply troubled UN member state with its multiple ethnic nations with distinct histories memories, linguistic traditions and conflicting group interests, Myanmar has been in the slow but discernible process of “Balkanization”.

/ November 3, 2021

Incorporate women’s history for better gender-sensitive public policies and politics in Malaysia

In a world governed by patriarchy, Undi18's Sirikandis offer renewed hope for gender equality in Malaysia.

/ October 29, 2021

After Afghanistan, Time to Review and Reset ASEAN & International Policies Towards Myanmar

The vicious dialectic of “failed international policies AND failed Myanmar state”, will need to be placed at the right, left and centre of the new international policy debates on Myanmar. Repeating the same strategy of dangling the sweet discourse of mediation before the intransigent mass-murderous generals of Myanmar without the serious stick of international accountability will simply not do.

/ October 27, 2021