Inside Story

Myanmar’s renewed ethnic troubles

Army enforces a state emergency in war-torn Kokang region after fighting forces tens of thousands to flee.

Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in a conflict-torn border region after 90,000 civilians fled to escape fighting betwen the army and Kokang rebels.

The latest violence is being seen by many as a setback for the country as it transitions from military rule to democracy.

Many ethnic groups have in the past raised arms against the government.

How will Myanmar deal with its ethnic troubles? And how does violence hamper its political transition?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra

Guests:

Matthew Bugher – a global justice fellow at Harvard Law School and a specialist on the civilian impact of armed conflicts in Myanmar.

Larry Jagan – Southeast Asia specialst and author of numerous publications on Myanmar.