Conclusion

Abstract

This chapter returns to the book’s core research question: what are the prospects for liberal democracy in Myanmar? It reviews answers generated by the six preceding substantive chapters, and pulls them together into a conclusion. It notes that the political situation inside the country is better at the end of the 2010s than it was at the beginning, with solid popular support for the shift away from authoritarianism. It further notes that opportunities for progress remain available within the political culture and society. In particular, the large cohort of NLD supporters has liberal inclinations that could be developed further. In a still rather traditional society, however, hierarchy continues to dominate. This places the onus on leadership, which to date has been lacking. It concludes that further movement away from the semi-democracy of Myanmar’s current hybrid regime towards one that can fairly be labelled liberal democracy is likely to be difficult, though not impossible.