1. Aung Moe Zaw Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS) May 24, 2013
Developing CSOs, POs and Institutions During The Process Of Controlled Liberalization in Burma
Aung Moe Zaw
Democratic Party for a New Society
(DPNS)
May 24, 2013

2. Significance of International Solidarity
With solidarity across the world, activists have kept Burma on the international radar for more than 20 years
Burma has undertaken some reforms, but they have not yet been institutionalized
Reforms have renewed interest in Burma within international community

3. Burma Democracy Movement
Inside:
Political Forces, NLD and its ethnic allies, Informal Civil Society Organizations
Border:
Ethnic Resistance Movement, Border NGOs, CSOs
International:
Support Groups, Campaign Groups, Burma Exile Community
3 key blocs:
Inside the country
Border groups (including ethnic resistance)
International support groups
2 layers in each bloc:
Civic-oriented organizations
Ethnic-oriented organizations

4. Personal Reflection on Strengths & Weaknesses of the Movement
Transnational movement to advocate for human rights and democracy
Strong networks linking exile groups with affiliates inside Burma
Alignment with international movements (e.g., child soldiers, women’s rights, etc.)
Bravery and risk-taking, especially in connecting with and understanding ethnic groups
Changing international approach to Burma (i.e., sanctions, advocacy)
Competing short-term and long- term goals
Internal politics created tensions within the movement
Internal tensions and differing capacities within the movement influenced projects and outcomes

5. Tensions & Divisions in Civil Society
Changes in Burma prompt differing responses, opinions, and strategies within the democracy movement
Democracy movement experiences division over whether to prioritize domestic pressure to increase the opposition’s leverage, or to prioritize reconciliation toward the regime

6. Lessons Learned from The Past
A few truly passionate, committed people determined to work with multiple actors is more important than even the most formidable weaponry.
Support must be flexible and adaptable for the movement to be dynamic.
While not every group will commit to nonviolent means, even armed resistance groups working toward democracy must be engaged and respected.
International factors and external actors can shape domestic events and policies, but not always for the better.
An in-depth knowledge of internal politics is vital to strategically deciding how, to whom, and when to provide support.
Competition for international support and recognition reinforces divisions in the movement.
By gravitating toward activists with more formal skills, international actors may neglect others who lack such skills but are willing to risk their lives for democracy. This can negatively impact the movement and donors’ projects.
Recognizing the correct stage of transition is key.

7. Conclusion & Recommendations

8. Outside Organizations
Adapted from Kristina Weissenbach, “Political Party Assistance in Transition: the German Stiftungen in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Democratization 17:6 (2010):
Phases of Transition
Political Reforms
Outside Organizations
Inside Organizations
Pre-Transition
Liberalization
Democratization
Consolidation

9. Recommendations : The Path to Liberalization
Identify diverse individuals and groups to support who are clearly pro-democratic in their ideals, practice, and goals
Build on social activism developed in response Nargis and previous movements
Encourage informal CSOs to move into new spaces, to extend their membership bases, and develop some structures which allow for sustainability
Encourage collective action
Provide space for sharing experience between exiled and Burma-based groups
Provide support for:
Watchdog organizations
Informal organizations
Independent media
Political parties, especially NLD and ethnic parties
Organized labor movement
Local and young entrepreneurs
Independent business associations
Border-based organizations as a bridge
Democracy education for all

10. Conclusion Should take a cautious approach
Should take a political, rather than developmental, approach to benefit from the current opening and level the playing field of politics in Burma
Pressure to institutionalize reforms
Sound judgment and balance
Macro-level: Overhaul of the political situation
Micro-level: Whom to support and approaches of assistance
Recognizing the correct phase of transition, and designing programs accordingly, is key
Plan for all possible outcomes of the 2015 elections

11. “This is just the beginning, but there is still a long way to go, and we should not take the opening for granted.” – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi