Conflicts in Myanmar: A systemic approach to conflict analysis and transformation

Abstract: Myanmar is the scene of one of the longest on going conflicts in the world. Due to recent efforts at reforms and democratisation, Myanmar has come under the light of the media and the ethnic clashes have attracted more attention than they ever have in the past. This dissertation aims to examine the potential for conflict transformation to provide a solution to this intractable violence. Using a combination of conflict mapping and macro as well as meso level conflict analysis, this study suggests the need for a systemic transformation. By collecting information from second hand sources, this paper provides a hypothetical application of Lederach’s theory to transform the conflict and suggests the need for further study and actions in order to create sustainable peace in Myanmar.