Political regimes and economic policy

Since 1988, Myanmar’s economic policies have purported to support capitalist development and economic reintegration with the global economy. The extent and effect of these commitments were conditioned by domestic interests, institutional weakness, and Myanmar’s geopolitical isolation under military rule. Economic development was stunted, leading to the emergence of military controlled firms and private sector conglomerates. The formation of a quasi-civilian government in 2011 facilitated a partial reintegration into global networks. However, its policies—and the policies of the subsequent National League for Democracy (NLD) government—have supported, rather than mediated, the gradual consolidation of wealth and power by domestic conglomerates and oligarchs.