Burma

The United States began expanding its engagement with Burma (Myanmar) in 2009, which went largely unnoticed outside of the Asian studies community. Burma's cautious political opening and pursuit of cease fire agreements to end decades-old ethnic rebellions presented an opportunity for the U.S. to pursue engagement to advance the Obama administration's Asia policy of linking the U.S. economically and militarily with East and South Asia. Burma's geographic location, resources, and emerging role in ASEAN make it a critical linkage in this policy framework. Burma's history is complicated, fraught with conflict still visible in its political, social, and military situation, but it is of sufficient importance that national and transnational actors are maneuvering for position there. The U.S. is already linked to Burma through its economic policies in Asia, and so has incentive to influence Burma's development to reach favorable outcomes in the region. However, Burma has many barriers to growth and reform. Realizing U.S. objectives with respect to Burma may depend on Burma overcoming those barriers. The U.S. may be able to help, but further involvement in Burma holds risk for the U.S. This paper describes the relevant Burmese history, the current maneuvers by national and transnational actors in the region, the U.S. approach to Burma. It then outlines a set of recommendations to clarify the U.S. approach and potentially expand engagement beyond those currently visible that support stability, prosperity, and human rights in Burma while advancing U.S. interests.