Published November 30, 2011 | By Michael Berman and Raphaël Jaeger

After five decades of totalitarian military rule, the junta was dissolved in 2011 following a general election. Though the military continues to dominate politics, the civilian government has nevertheless rapidly implemented a series of reforms including the right to form trade unions, the release of some 6,000 political prisoners as well as easing media censorship and allowing the National League for Democracy party to participate the upcoming elections. The U.S. secretary of State’s visit to Naypyidaw in December 2011 was aimed to encourage President Thein Sein to deepen the reform process in Myanmar that has been approved to chair the ASEAN summit in 2014. Heavy government control of the state has arrested economic growth. Despite being resource rich, a lack of foreign investment, high inflation and deficits continue to restrict production. During 2010, Myanmar was devastated by Cyclone Nargis, which killed over 130,000 and displaced many more. Ethnic minorities continue to emigrate out of Myanmar and corruption pervades all levels of society, leading to a critical divide between elites, the working class, and minorities.

Published November 12, 2011 | By Kristen Blandford

In 2010, Parliament approved a package of wide-ranging constitutional reforms aimed at transferring key powers of the President to the Prime Minister. Improvements in indicators for group grievance and state legitimacy, although marginal, reflect these efforts. Massive floods in 2010 killed an estimated 2,000 people and affected more than 20 million. High water from monsoon rains in August and September 2011 have displaced an additional 1.8 million people and affected more than 5.4 million people in Sindh and Balochistan Provinces. Aided by U.S. funding, the Pakistani intelligence and security forces are fighting Taliban groups in remote sections of north-western Pakistan on the border with Afghanistan. Former President Musharraf declared rule by martial law in 2007, and this is yet to be rescinded by current President Zardari. Tensions with India over disputed territory in Kashmir often elicit concerns over war between two nuclear powers. High inflation, unemployment, and a youth bulge threaten future economic growth.