Myanmar's Peace Process and the Role of Middle Power States

This book examines middle power engagement in Myanmars peace process, challenging traditional conceptions of middle powers as capable peacemakers and highlighting their role as peace-making entrepreneurs. It draws on fieldwork interviews and political economy literature to argue that middle powers use peacemaking as an instrumental tool to cement their status and secure commercial benefits. The book problematizes core theoretical assumptions of middle powers and has implications for future scholarship on middle powers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of middle power engagement in peace processes, focusing specifically on the cases of Australian, Japanese, and Norwegian involvement in Myanmar's peace process, a pivotal event in the country's contemporary political history. By examining the extent and methods by which middle powers have contributed to this process, the book seeks to shed light on the role of these states as peacemaking entrepreneurs.

Traditional conceptions of middle powers, often rooted in idealist thinking, perceive these states as inherently capable of fostering peace, without delving into the underlying motivations that drive their engagement in peacemaking. To address this gap, the author conducts extensive fieldwork interviews within Myanmar, coupled with a review of political economy literature, to critically examine this notion. Through this comprehensive analysis, the book challenges the prevailing understanding of middle powers and proposes a novel perspective: that of peace-making entrepreneurs.

The author argues that middle powers can be best conceptualized as actors who utilize peacemaking as a strategic tool to enhance their status and cultivate a desired image, which they can then leverage for securing additional commercial benefits. This perspective challenges the notion of middle powers as mere status seekers and emphasizes their active role in shaping the peace landscape.

Moreover, the book's examination of Myanmar's peace process provides valuable insights into the complexities of peacemaking entrepreneurship. By analyzing the strategies employed by these middle powers, the book sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by these states in pursuing peace and stability in a complex regional context.

In conclusion, this timely and insightful book offers a valuable contribution to the fields of International Relations and Development Studies. It will be of interest to researchers specializing in Asian Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Myanmar Politics, as it provides a comprehensive analysis of middle power engagement in peace processes and challenges prevailing theoretical assumptions about their role. As Myanmar continues to navigate its own path toward peace and development, this book provides valuable insights into the strategies and challenges faced by other middle powers in pursuing similar endeavors.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032157139