Dynamic Systems Research in Burma: One Piece of the Complexity Puzzle
Streets of Burma
“You can either do real peacemaking work or you can get credit for it.” Those were the words of David, a leading figure of the Myanmar NGO community who has been working with the ethnic groups for twenty years. Our meeting came to an abrupt end when news came that a relative of one of his staff members was killed by a mob in Rakhine state, at the borders with Bangladesh.
The rape and murder of a Buddhist girl in Rakhine in May has created a violent chain reaction in the region that could potentially jeopardize the fragile state of the country. This paroxysm of rage is part of the long standing tensions between the Buddhist majority and the Muslim Rohingya, a stateless religious and linguistic minority considered by the United Nations as one of the most persecuted in the world. These clashes are a crucial test for the partially civilian government, since the unrest could trigger other unresolved grievances across the country. The uncertainty of the people is almost palpable, with numerous theories regarding the background of the riots emerging daily. Some might have a grain of truth while others are simply based on a deeply embedded distrust towards the government. However, the most shocking fact is not the communal violence itself but the alarmingly merciless rhetoric of hate against the Muslims that we hear all around us.
Rakhine might be a tiny piece of the puzzle but it indicates the complexity of the overall condition in Myanmar. Talking about complexity from a distance is one thing, facing its true face on the ground is another. For this research phase we decided to limit the scope of our research to one or two peace processes between the government and the ethnic groups. Once we finalize our decision and conclude our meetings, we will leave Yangon to travel to the area(s) of study. For the time being, we continue our contacts with local experts, bilateral and international delegates while refining our methodology. The network analysis part of it seems to be quite challenging given the immense number of actors involved. Another important detail that we are taking under consideration is the correct sequencing of meetings, since talking to one party might effect our communication with others later on. There are numerous small details that can really make a difference. Analyzing such complex systems is an effortful process that requires time. “Peace is not only better than war, but infinitely more arduous” George Bernard Saw once quoted, and we now better understand why.
Indeed, the situation is quiet tension and high profile. Not only that we become the victim of Muslim societies. Myanmar became the minority inexperience unequal treatment and less power over their lives than member of a dominant group ( Muslim) around the world. Being born, I must say Myanmar people are such a racial group and dominated on religious intolerance. In my opinion, Myanmar People are such a kind, passion and nice. I think, some minority people are putting scapegoating theory, rather than accepting guilt for some failure, a person transfers the responsibly for failure to some vulnerable group to become the victims.
Back in our time, we were learned color-blind racism at least it would ease the situation in school.