TTLV: Myanmar's Political Changes from 2010 to 2015

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS

1. Student's full name:Sai Viet Thanh                    

2. Gender: Male

3. Date of birth: November 4, 1983

4. Place of birth: Hong Ha Ward - Yen Bai City - Yen Bai Province

5. Decision on student admission No. 3215/2014/QD-XHNV-SDH dated December 31, 2014, by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes to the training process: Extending the study period until June 2017.

7. Thesis title:Political changes in Myanmar from 2010 to 2015.

8. Major: International Relations Code: 60.31.02.06

9. Scientific supervisor:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Khanh, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.

10. Summary of the thesis results:

Myanmar is rich in natural resources and holds a strategically important geopolitical position in Southeast Asia, yet for many years it remained one of the least developed countries in the region. Since the civilian government of President Thein Sein officially took power in March 2011, Myanmar's politics have undergone significant changes. From a country ruled by military rule for more than two decades, Myanmar officially transitioned to a multi-party civilian system with the presence of opposition parties in parliament.

Thanks to these changes, Myanmar's political landscape has shifted towards democracy and transparency based on fundamental legal foundations. Efforts towards national reconciliation and democratization are reflected in the free participation of political parties and non-state organizations in political life, and in the gradual guarantee of people's rights, which have been recognized internationally. Myanmar's foreign policy has also undergone significant changes towards multilateralism and diversification; breaking the blockade and sanctions imposed by the US and the West; attracting foreign investment, support, and aid to develop the country's economy, reducing Myanmar's excessive dependence on China, and enhancing Myanmar's position and role in the international arena.

Myanmar is a regional country and a fellow ASEAN member with Vietnam. Furthermore, the two countries share a long-standing tradition of friendship. Therefore, political changes in Myanmar have had a significant impact on Vietnam and on Vietnam-Myanmar relations. On the positive side, Vietnam has the opportunity to expand its market and seek business opportunities; and enjoys mutual support in international and regional forums. On the negative side, it creates challenges related to political reform and economic competition. Therefore, in the coming period, Vietnam needs to prioritize promoting relations with Myanmar to a new, more practical and effective level, especially in economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

11. Practical applications:

This thesis can be used as a reference for research and teaching on international relations.

12. Future research directions:

13. Published works related to the thesis:

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name: Sai Viet Thanh 2. Sex: male

3. Date of birth: November 4, 1983 4. Place of birth: Yen Bai province

5. Admission decision number: 3215/2014/QD-XHNV-SĐH, December 31, 2014 University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Hanoi.

6. Changes in academic process: extend studying period till June 2017

7. Official thesis title: Myanmar's political changes from 2010 to 2015

8. Major: International study Code: 60.31.02.06

9. Supervisors: Associate Professor, Doctor of Science Tran Khanh, Southeast Asian Studies.

10. Summary of the findings of the thesis:

Although being rich in natural resources and possessing a significant strategic geo-political position in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is still one of the most under-developed countries in the region. Since the civil government led by the president Thein Sein officially took office in March, 2011, Myanmar's politics has changed significantly. Myanmar's two-decade lasting military administration has now been transformed into a brand new civil administration which allows the existence of civil parties.

Thanks to above changes, Myanmar's politics has had a more democratic and transparent transformation which is based on the legal basis. The efforts of national harmony and democracy are illustrated by the fact that political parties and non-governmental organizations are free to participate in the political life of the country and people rights have been gradually guaranteed and internationally recognized. Myanmar's diplomacy has also witnessed significant changes in the way of multi-lateralization and diversification, breaking the embargo of America and the western countries, attracting investment capital sources, assistance and aids from the outside to develop its economy, reducing the considerable dependence of Myanmar on China and especially improving Myanmar's position and role in the international arena.

Being regional countries and members of ASEAN, Myanmar and Vietnam have long-lasting and friendly relations. Thus, the political changes in Myanmar have exerted significant impacts on Vietnam as well as Vietnam-Myanmar relations. In the positive prospects, Myanmar helps to expand Vietnam's market for its export products, investment capital and brings Vietnam more mutual support on the international and regional forums. In contrast, it also creates challenges in terms of political renovation and economical competitiveness. Therefore, in the coming time, Vietnam should take priority in enhancing its relations with Myanmar to the new level more practically and efficiently, especially in fields of economics, trade and investment.

11. Practical applicability:

The thesis could be used for reference for research, teaching on international relations.

12. Further research directions: ​

13. Publications related to the Thesis: ​