Stalemate: Autonomy and Insurgency on the China-Myanmar Border

Stalemate reveals the history and contemporary politics of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Asia's strongest insurgent army on Myanmar's border with China, and how it maintains relational autonomy between two powerful lowland states. Andrew Ong examines political culture, external relations, and capital flows with neighboring China, showing how Wa autonomy is enacted through careful navigation of complex borderland geopolitics and the shadow economy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Stalemate unravels the intricate tapestry of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Asia's formidable insurgent force, as it intricately weaves together the historical and contemporary narratives of this remarkable military entity. This ethnographic narrative takes us on a captivating journey, revealing how a highland group, often perceived as rebels or drug traffickers, skillfully maintains a delicate balance of autonomy amidst the powerful lowland states that surround them. The Wa polity, rather than seeking to evade these surrounding states, actively engages with them, yet faces the challenge of fitting into their predefined frameworks of sovereignty and statehood.

In his insightful examination, Andrew Ong delves into the political culture of Wa elites and the general populace, explores the UWSA's external relations, and uncovers the intricate dynamics of capital flows with neighboring China. Through this comprehensive analysis, Ong unveils how Wa autonomy is enacted through a meticulous navigation of complex borderland geopolitics and the shadow economy. He interprets the seemingly intractable stalemate between the Myanmar state and the UWSA as a manifestation of tactical dissonance—a strategicploy where simultaneous postures of authority and subordination are adopted, creating disruptions and forging connections.

Stalemate sheds light on the enigmatic and seemingly disorderly practices of political signaling, economic regulation, and military governance, revealing how these seemingly ambiguous endeavors contribute to the establishment of relative stability in the face of uncertainty. It challenges our preconceived notions about state-like processes at the peripheries, prompting us to reevaluate our understanding of power dynamics and governance in the complex landscapes of the borderlands.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501769139