Myanmar Impasses: Alternatives to Isolation and Engagement?

Abstract

This article analyzes the rationales for the imposition and withdrawal of economic sanctions against Myanmar/Burma. We argue that the current debate on the merits between 'constructive engagement' and 'isolation' is misleading since it conceals the gap between the rhetoric and actual practices of involved countries. In addition, a convergence of shared interests between ASEAN and the Western countries in the hope of a freer political environment in the country and the positive, albeit small, effects each approach has had on the country in the past demonstrate how these can function simultaneously without undermining the larger goal of creating a more open polity and society in Burma. We concur with those who advocate for the midway approach, but we extend our analysis further by demonstrating how a minimum level of shared interests can be built and how the effectiveness of each approach can be enhanced.