The 2015 verdict in Myanmar was the result of the first free and fair election after a gap of six decades. This beckons a new era of hope in Myanmar. Although we see a new political dynamics emerging, stability and survival of the regime would rest upon the constitutional reforms and resilience of the military. In the last quarter of the twentieth century, significant researches and numerous literatures have proliferated on the transition from authoritarianism to democracy. These writings have been noteworthy in shaping our understanding of the process of democratisation. With this background, the book looks into the progress and prospects of democratisation in Myanmar. It identifies the internal crisis and contradictions in the regime and its role in the ‘guided’ transition and establishment of a ‘disciplined’ democracy in Myanmar.

Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. Democratisation: Theoretical Paradigm. 3. Political History of Myanmar Since Independence. 4. Authority Structure of the Military in Myanmar. 5. Delayed Democracy in Myanmar. 6. Democratic Transition and Reconciliation. 7. Conclusion. References. Index.