Myanmar Conflict: International Relations and Human Rights in Southeast Asia’s Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict in Myanmar has become one of the most severe humanitarian and political crises in Southeast Asia. Following the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar entered a period of violent political instability marked by armed resistance, military repression, humanitarian suffering, and widespread human rights violations. The crisis not only affects Myanmar domestically but also challenges regional stability, international diplomacy, and the credibility of global human rights institutions.

From the perspective of international relations, the Myanmar conflict illustrates the struggle between authoritarianism and democracy, the limits of international intervention, and the geopolitical interests of regional powers. At the same time, the conflict demonstrates how civilians often become the primary victims in modern political violence.

Historical Background of the Conflict

Myanmar has a long history of political instability and military influence. Since gaining independence in 1948, the country has experienced ethnic conflicts, civil wars, and decades of military rule. Although Myanmar began a democratic transition in the 2010s, the military, known as the Tatmadaw, continued to maintain significant political power.

The crisis escalated on February 1, 2021, when the military overthrew the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, claiming that the national election was fraudulent. The coup triggered nationwide protests, civil disobedience movements, and armed resistance from pro-democracy groups and ethnic armed organizations.

As violence intensified, Myanmar descended into a prolonged internal conflict involving military operations, insurgencies, and severe humanitarian crises.

International Relations Perspective

1. Realism: Military Power and State Survival

From the realist perspective, the Myanmar military seized power to protect its institutional interests and maintain political control. The Tatmadaw views itself as the guardian of national unity and security, justifying its actions as necessary for state stability.

Regional powers also respond based on strategic interests. Countries such as China and Russia maintain relationships with Myanmar’s military government due to economic cooperation, arms sales, and geopolitical influence in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, Western countries criticize the military regime and impose sanctions, demonstrating how global powers pursue different national interests in international politics.

2. Liberalism: The Failure of International Cooperation

Liberalism emphasizes democracy, diplomacy, and international institutions in maintaining peace and protecting human rights. However, the Myanmar crisis reveals the limitations of regional and global institutions in responding effectively to authoritarian violence.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) attempted diplomatic initiatives through the Five-Point Consensus, but implementation has been largely unsuccessful. The United Nations also condemned the violence, yet international responses remain constrained by political divisions among major powers.

This situation raises important questions about whether international organizations can effectively protect democracy and human rights during internal political crises.

3. Constructivism: National Identity and Ethnic Conflict

Constructivist theory highlights the role of identity, beliefs, and historical narratives in shaping conflict. Myanmar’s crisis is deeply connected to ethnic tensions and competing visions of national identity.

Myanmar is home to numerous ethnic minorities, many of whom have experienced discrimination and armed conflict for decades. The military often promotes a centralized nationalist identity, while ethnic groups demand autonomy, recognition, and equal rights.

These competing identities intensify mistrust and prolong violence throughout the country.

Human Rights Violations in Myanmar

The Myanmar conflict has generated widespread human rights abuses and humanitarian suffering.

1. Violence Against Civilians

Security forces have been accused of excessive force against protesters and civilians, including mass arrests, torture, extrajudicial killings, and airstrikes on villages. Human rights organizations report that thousands of civilians have been killed since the coup.

Schools, hospitals, and religious buildings have also been damaged during military operations, creating severe humanitarian conditions in many regions.

2. Refugees and Internal Displacement

The violence has forced millions of people to flee their homes. Many civilians have become internally displaced, while others seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Thailand, India, and Bangladesh.

The humanitarian crisis worsens due to limited access to food, healthcare, education, and humanitarian assistance.

3. The Rohingya Crisis

One of the most internationally recognized human rights issues in Myanmar involves the Rohingya Muslim minority. Even before the 2021 coup, the Rohingya faced persecution, discrimination, and mass displacement.

International organizations and legal experts have accused Myanmar’s military of committing crimes against humanity and possible genocide against the Rohingya population. The ongoing political instability further complicates efforts to achieve justice and safe repatriation for refugees.

Media Restrictions and Freedom of Expression

Since the coup, Myanmar’s military government has imposed strict restrictions on media freedom and internet access. Journalists, activists, and critics of the regime have been arrested or intimidated.

The military also uses digital surveillance and censorship to control information and suppress opposition movements. These actions violate fundamental rights related to freedom of expression and access to information.

At the same time, social media platforms have become important tools for resistance movements, allowing activists to organize protests and share evidence of human rights abuses with the international community.

Regional and Global Impact

The Myanmar conflict affects regional security and international politics across Southeast Asia. Refugee flows, cross-border instability, and humanitarian emergencies create pressure on neighboring countries.

The crisis also challenges ASEAN’s principle of non-interference, as member states struggle to balance regional diplomacy with demands for stronger action against human rights violations.

Globally, the conflict reflects broader tensions between authoritarian governance and democratic values in the international system.

References

Books

Callahan, M. P. (2003). Making enemies: War and state building in Burma. Cornell University Press.

Cheesman, N. (2017). Opposing the rule of law: How Myanmar’s courts make law and order. Cambridge University Press.

Farrelly, N. (2013). Myanmar: Politics, economy and society. Routledge.

Forsythe, D. P. (2020). Human rights in international relations (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Smith, M. (1999). Burma: Insurgency and the politics of ethnicity (2nd ed.). Zed Books.

Journal Articles

Bünte, M. (2011). Burma’s transition to “disciplined democracy”: Abdication or institutionalization of military rule? GIGA Working Papers, 177, 1–31.

Holliday, I. (2011). Ethnicity and democratization in Myanmar. Asian Journal of Political Science, 19(2), 119–137. https://doi.org/10.1080/02185377.2011.588548

Pedersen, M. B. (2015). Human rights and political participation in Myanmar. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 45(2), 308–327. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472336.2014.978088

South, A. (2018). Protecting civilians in the Kachin borderlands, Myanmar: Key threats and local responses. Disasters, 42(2), 251–272. https://doi.org/10.1111/disa.12251

Selth, A. (2021). Myanmar’s armed forces and the Rohingya crisis. Contemporary Southeast Asia, 43(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1355/cs43-1a

News Websites & Human Rights Reports

Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch. (2026). World report 2026: Myanmar. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2026/country-chapters/myanmar

Amnesty International Amnesty International. (2026). Myanmar: Ongoing military violence and human rights abuses. https://www.amnesty.org/

United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) United Nations Human Rights Office. (2026). Myanmar human rights crisis and humanitarian emergency. https://www.ohchr.org/

BBC News BBC News. (2026, April 10). Myanmar conflict intensifies amid humanitarian concerns. https://www.bbc.com/news

Reuters Reuters Staff. (2026, March 18). Myanmar military accused of escalating attacks on civilians. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/