The Role of the Tatmadaw in Modern Day Burma: An Analysis

The Tatmadaw Burmese Army has dominated Burmas politics since the Japanese and British occupation of Burma until today. Its role in Burma has received international attention, especially while other countries in Southeast Asia have seen the decline of military power, the most recent that being Indonesia. The Tatmadaw seems unshaken with all the recent development affecting the military institution in Southeast Asia. This study is significant in that it attempts to understand how the Tatmadaw can continue to play an important role in the politics of Burma despite popular opposition. From this study, much will be learned about how Burmas military managed to sustain its rule. It also tries to provide an answer as to why the Tatmadaw has become what it is today.