Burma: Prospects for a Democratic FutureRobert I. Rotberg This book examines the origins and consequences of Burma's current policies from military, political, social, and economic perspectives. It analyzes the Asian decision to "constructively engage" Burma, especially in economic affairs, versus the position of the United States and many other Western countries to treat Burma as a pariah. Other chapters focus on the drug trade (Burma produces more than 60 percent of the world's heroin), the growing role of China as Burma's military and economic "big brother," political culture and democratic traditions, the unsustainable nature of current economic growth, shortfalls in education and health systems, and Burma's potential for foreign investment. |
Contents
Political Considerations | 9 |
The Evolution and Salience of Burmas National Political Culture | 11 |
Political Values and Political Conflict in Burma | 33 |
On Time Warps and Warped Time Lessons from Burmas Democratic Era | 49 |
From Isolation to Relevance Policy Considerations | 69 |
The Military | 85 |
The Armed Forces and Military Rule in Burma | 87 |
Burmas Role in Regional SecurityPawn or Pivot? | 109 |
Burma The Booming Drug Trade | 185 |
The New Burma Road Paved by Polytechnologies? | 197 |
Foreign Direct Investment in Burma Trends Determinants and Prospects | 209 |
Health and Education | 231 |
The States Role in Education in Burma An Overview | 233 |
Health in Burma An Interpretive Review | 247 |
Looking Forward | 267 |
The Road to Political Recovery The Salience of Politics in Economics | 269 |