ASEAN’s many challenges in Myanmar

By Dr Pia Dannhauer

The 2021 coup in Myanmar has emerged as a critical test for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and its role in regional peace and stability. Four years on, Myanmar is embroiled in an intractable civil war and faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with little hope for a swift resolution. ASEAN’s institutional framework is often cited as the main obstacle to compelling Myanmar’s military to comply with regional decisions. Yet Myanmar’s growing fragmentation and China’s prominent influence in the country have also limited ASEAN’s options to respond to the crisis.

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Key Messages

1. The 2021 coup in Myanmar has emerged as a critical test for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and its role in regional peace and stability.
2. Four years on, Myanmar is embroiled in an intractable civil war and faces severe humanitarian crisis, with little hope for a swift resolution.
3. ASEAN’s institutional framework is often cited as the main obstacle to compelling Myanmar’s military to comply with regional decisions.
4. Yet Myanmar’s growing fragmentation and China’s prominent influence in the country have also limited ASEAN’s options to respond to the crisis.

Indo-Pacific Analysis Briefs

The Perth USAsia Centre’s Indo-Pacific Analysis Briefs seek to provide perceptive and contemporary insights from across the region. The series features leading analysts from Asia, Australia and the US to deliver up-to-the-minute assessments on issues of national and regional importance. This series will shine a light on the issues that remain critically important to Australia and the Indo-Pacific at a time when global events may otherwise dominate the news cycle.