Myanmar - Dynamic Development C.S. Flashcards
How was Myanmar affected during WW2?
The British employed a ‘scorched earth’ policy, eradicating valuable infrastructure, after Japan invaded.
How has Myanmar’s development been hindered by international sanctions?
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.
How has Myanmar’s military affected its development?
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.
How has Myanmar developed technologically?
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).
When did Myanmar gain independence?
A British colony from 1824, Myanmar gained independence in January 1948.
How does Myanmar fit into Rostow’s model?
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.
How was Myanmar successful in achieving its Millennium Development Goals?
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.
How was Myanmar unsuccessful in achieving its Millennium Development Goals?
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%.
How have human factors affected Myanmar’s development?
- 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.
How have physical factors affected Myanmar’s development?
- 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.
How has Myanmar’s international trade influenced its development?
- 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.
How has TNC investment influenced Myanmar’s development?
- In 2012, one year after Myanmar opened up to TNCs, Coca Cola opened a bottling plant in Crystal Springs.
- Invested US$200M and directly employed 1393 people.
- Supplied 1000s of hours of training.
- Installed childcare in-plant.
- Began the process of waste water treatment.
HOWEVER: - An independent consultation led to wage increases.
- They claim to have encouraged unionisation but to little effect.
- An overtime ban created more than 200 new positions.
How has charitable aid influenced Myanmar’s development?
Coca Cola worked with PACT on the 3 year Swan Yi programme to empower 25,000 women on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business management.
Christian Aid helped to control malaria in eastern Myanmar, given 60% of the population is at risk. They distributed 29,500 nets, and decreased deaths from 3.5 to 2.4 per 1000 from 2010 - 2013.
How has debt influenced Myanmar’s development?
Myanmar wanted to attract international donors by paying debts in 2013. Ultimately debt was reduced by 60% that year.
Cancelled US$: Japan 6.6B, Paris Club 2.2B, Norway 600M.
China still owed US$2B separately.
Japan Bank US$960M bridge loan covering 2 debtors.
How has a bottom-up project in Myanmar influenced its development?
- Oxfam 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.
