ABSTRACT
Civil society in Myanmar needs to be supported, internationally, to increase its capacity to contribute to the political and socio-economic development of the society. Where polity and economy are fused into one state identity, as in socialist Myanmar or pre-1989 Eastern Europe, civil society struggles for existence; and civil and political rights, as well as economic and social rights are submerged in mantra upholding the state identity. Economic inequality, mitigates against a vibrant civil society and the development of institutions able to hold governments to account. Whilst a number of US private foundations and religious groups work with civil society in Myanmar, it would be advantageous for this type of interaction to be gradually increased. The sanctions policy also suits China, as, by impeding the growth of civil society, economic and institutional development, it ensures that no democratic regime will come to office in Yangon.
