Burma: the fear of a failed state

On the eve of parliamentary elections, the Burmese army stunned the world by taking back power by force. After just two months of protests, the Burmese state is in danger of becoming yet another failed state, with all its consequences in a region that is becoming increasingly central.

In 2008, the signals sent out by Burma's military rulers gave reason to hope that the country was beginning the process of democratization. However, on February 1st, the world was reminded of the reality of power in this South Asian country: it is the military that holds power, despite the overwhelming results of the pro-democracy party in the parliamentary elections. A truly central and dominant institution in Burma, the national army has progressively extended its control over various economic sectors, while presenting itself as the defender of human rights.