Myanmar - Dynamic Development C.S. Flashcards

1
Q

How was Myanmar affected during WW2?

A

The British employed a ‘scorched earth’ policy, eradicating valuable infrastructure, after Japan invaded.

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2
Q

How has Myanmar’s development been hindered by international sanctions?

A

The US suspended poorer countries’ access to trade benefit following HR abuses, from 1989 to 2016.
EU sanctions began in 2011: banning imports, suspending aid, freezing resources; but only an embargo on arms outlasted 2012.

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3
Q

How has Myanmar’s military affected its development?

A

General Ne Win formed the first coup d’état in 1962 and most industries were nationalised.
General Saw Maung staged another coup d’état after military forces killed 3000-10000 at the 8888 uprising.
The 2010 general election was peaceful, but condemned as fraudulent by the UN and the West after the military claimed victory.

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4
Q

How has Myanmar developed technologically?

A

In 2013 the government eased their communications monopoly, granting 2 foreign companies licenses, increasing phone ownership.
Today all broadcast media remains government controlled. There are 2 state TV channels (one under military control).

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5
Q

When did Myanmar gain independence?

A

A British colony from 1824, Myanmar gained independence in January 1948.

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6
Q

How does Myanmar fit into Rostow’s model?

A

Myanmar is at the Preconditions for Take-off stage.
35% of the workforce is in the tertiary sector, contributing 43% of the economy. Multiple TNCs are operating there (eg Boeing, Unilever, Adidas).
However, 46% of the workforce remains in the primary sector, with agriculture still one of the most important sectors, holding the country to the second stage.

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7
Q

How was Myanmar successful in achieving its Millennium Development Goals?

A

Myanmar successfully promoted gender equality and empowered woman. Their work contribution rose from 35.7% to 44.7% in the 15 years. Girls receive similar primary and secondary education, and 164 girls receive tertiary education for every 100 boys.

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8
Q

How was Myanmar unsuccessful in achieving its Millennium Development Goals?

A

Myanmar made too little progress towards reducing child mortality. Rates of decrease were unchanged. Infant mortality dropped 61-39 with a goal of 24. Under 5s 84-52, aim 36.
Myanmar did not achieve universal primary education. By 2015 there was only 88% enrolment. The 15-24 literacy rate went from 94.6% to 96.3%.

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9
Q

How was Myanmar partially successful in achieving its Millennium Development Goals?

A
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10
Q

How have human factors affected Myanmar’s development?

A
  • It rejected commonwealth membership, having been a colony.
  • It has had no recent democratic success, with the military holding power since 1962.
  • It trades only with neighbours - ASEAN.
  • It has immense national debt, that the government refuses to pay.
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11
Q

How have physical factors affected Myanmar’s development?

A
  • It is very tectonically active - high earthquake activity.
  • Clay-rich soils become waterlogged easily; stagnant water allows disease-spreading mosquitoes: dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis.
  • At risk from all climate change hazards, especially extreme wet weather.
  • Very wealthy in natural resources: 90% world rubies, 79% jadeite; 49% is tropical rainforest (almost all somewhat degraded though); 2nd largest opium producer.
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12
Q

How has Myanmar’s international trade influenced its development?

A
  • Over 63% of its exports are finite, out-of-the-ground.
  • It holds the global majorities in jade and rubies.
  • It exports the cheapest produce (unprocessed wood, dried legumes, fresh fish etc.) - having too limited manufacturing skills.
  • More than 40% of its trade is with China - this is very volatile.
  • Annual exports: US$12.4B. Annual imports: US$21.4B.
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13
Q

How has TNC investment influenced Myanmar’s development?

A

In 2012, one year after Myanmar opened up to TNCs, Coca Cola opened a bottling plant in Crystal Springs.
* Invested US$200M and directly employed 1393 people.
* Supplied 1000s of hours of training.
* Installed childcare in-plant.
* Began the process of waste water treatment.
However…
* An independent consultation led to wage increases.
* They claim to have encouraged unionisation but to little effect.
* An overtime ban created more than 200 new positions.

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14
Q

How has charitable aid influenced Myanmar’s development?

A

Coca Cola worked with PACT on the 3 year Swan Yi programme to empower 25,000 women on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business management.
Christian Aid helped to control malaria in eastern Myanmar, given 60% of the population is at risk. They distributed 29,500 nets, and decreased deaths from 3.5 to 2.4 per 1000 from 2010 - 2013.

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15
Q

How has debt influenced Myanmar’s development?

A

Myanmar wanted to attract international donors by paying debts in 2013. Ultimately debt was reduced by 60% that year.
Cancelled US$: Japan 6.6B, Paris Club 2.2B, Norway 600M
China still owed US$2B separately.
Japan Bank US$960M bridge loan covering 2 debtors.

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16
Q

How has a bottom-up project in Myanmar influenced its development?

A

Oxfam + some corporation constructed tiger worm toilets is Rakhine state.
* Used by 850 in Sittwe camp.
* 36kg of worms (115 required) initially bought from local suppliers.
* 20 more TWTs planned in camp (100 families), requests coming from outside.
* Only need excavating every 4 years.
* Worm byproducts (vermicompost + vermi-tea) initially sold to local farmers.
However:
* 2kg of foreign worms needed per toilet, so must be bred.
* May 2017: Cyclone Mora caused widespread damage, yet local team successfully repaired all rooves.

17
Q

How has a top-down project in Myanmar influenced its development?

A

Chinese State Power investment is behind the Myitsone Dam project. The project is indefinitely on hold.
* China would take 90% of generated electricity.
* Could drive renewable development in Myanmar and strengthen Chinese relations.
* 10% of something is more than 100% of nothing.
* The Myanmar government’s 15% stake would earn US$18B over a 50 year concession period.
However…
* People had to be relocated.
* If cancelled, Myanmar gains more debt and worsens Chinese relations.
* Cost grows during limbo due to commercial bank interest.