ABSTRACT
Contents Setting the Stage for Environmental Tragedy in Myanmar .................................253 Military Government and Myanmar’s Environment ..........................................256 Cyclone Nargis ................................................................................................. 260
Governmental Response ...............................................................................261 Challenges in the International Context of the Politics of Relief ........................263 Aid to Myanmar as of May 7, 2008 ...................................................................263 Where to Go from Here? ...................................................................................265 References .........................................................................................................267 Appendix .......................................................................................................... 268
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twelfth century and later invasion and colonial rule by the British followed by a brief Japanese presence during World War II caused Myanmar, then known as Burma, to be wary of outside powers because foreign invasion had become a common occurrence throughout history (Aung 1967). The country eventually gained independence and “in 1948, under an elected government, the country’s name became the Union of Burma” (Falco 2003, 8). The history of the country from this point forward is marked by political unrest, violence, and caution against foreign powers.
