ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the influence of international law and inter-governmental organisations on Myanmar's military-led governments during five decades of authoritarian rule. It considers developments that suggest the growing influence of international law in Myanmar's national public discourse and domestic affairs. International law touches on many issues, including economics, trade, the environment, social concerns, and topics in various other fields. The chapter draws heavily from developments in international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. It examines two important functions that international law will play in Myanmar's continuing democratic transition. International law will provide an increasingly influential set of norms, principles, and standards that will guide the efforts of politicians, policy makers, civil servants, civil society, and others to reshape Myanmar society and governance structures. International law will complement and reinforce the domestic legal regime in Myanmar, setting the ground rules for appropriate government action and helping establish a framework for how the domestic and international systems interact.
