Abstract - Kyi May Kaung's proposed paper for Burma Studies 2010

Globalization, Burma and United States Policy.

Since the clampdown on the nation-wide pro-democracy movement in 1988, the Burmese military government has been pursuing an "open economy" (open to international trade but nothing else) which is bringing it closer into the global economy, albeit in a contorted way.
The discovery of reserves of natural gas and oil has enriched its coffers, at the same time as it has pushed towards its model of "disciplined democracy" with a so-called election at the end of 2010. It is pushing to suppress all ethnic freedom groups and convert them into border guards and Thailand is about to send back large numbers of Karen refugees. Simultaneously, it is "privatizing" but it looks like junta cronies and family members will get to buy enterprises at fire sale prices. At this crucial time the US is pursuing a policy of engagement, which does not seem to be working.
Is a rogue regime, previously already labeled a pariah government, likely to emerge and is this what the US and the international community want to see in Burmese globalization gone awry?
Last year I helped the Burmese exile government compile a transition plan for a democratic system in Burma with several other Burma scholars.
What is the right and ethical role of Burma experts in all this?

Kyi May Kaung.

The Conference will be held at the University of Provence, Marseille, France.