Attempts to Solve Issue

Several attempts since the end of British rule have been made to stabilize as well as democratize the country of Burma. One attempt was made at the National Convention which set up the military as the central power and aimed to unionize the different ethnic groups. As result of the convention, Burma was divided into seven states and seven divisions-each occupied by an ethnic group. The major problem that has not been addressed till this day and which has been one of the leading causes of conflict was deciding what form of government to set up. Burma would have either been introduced to a direct democracy where decisions would be made by the majority or indirect democracy where representatives are elected by citizens to make decisions. Neither of these policies were implemented because military hierarchy and ethnic Burmans are split against a great majority of other ethnic nationalities who also represent a large majority of the population.

Not only is there a barrier in decision making within the Burmese citizens, but the Military lacks meritocracy, which is defined by the encyclopedia as “a system of government based on rule by ability (merit) rather than by wealth or social position. Instead structure rule is based on cronyism- the appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications but rather on favoritism (Encyclopedia of the Nations). This system hurts Burma and it citizens more than helping them. In this way brain draining is promoted as fewer intellectual Burmese Citizens and farmers are willing to stay and help progress their country since very few opportunities are provided.