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How to Engage Authoritarian Regimes: The Case of Burma

Location: OSI-New York
Event Date: October 28, 2009
Speakers: Richard Horsey, Priscilla Clapp, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Maureen Aung-Thwin

Global efforts over the last two decades to influence the military regime in Burma (Myanmar) have been largely ineffective. With the current leadership slated to retire following elections next year, the situation is at a critical juncture. How can the international community more effectively promote peace, respect for human rights, and better governance in the country?

At this Open Society Fellowship Program event, three distinguished speakers reflect on their own experiences in trying to influence the authoritarian regime in Burma. They will present their thoughts on what approaches are likely to be most successful in the future and address the following questions:

  • What potential is there for progress on human rights issues while the military remains in control?
  • How can poverty and suffering be alleviated?
  • Can the U.S. government’s reinvigorated foreign policy and renewed Asia focus give it some leverage?

Panelists

  • Richard Horsey, Open Society Fellow
  • Priscilla Clapp, former U.S. Chief of Mission in Burma (1999-2002)
  • Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Burma
  • Maureen Aung-Thwin, Director, Open Society Institute Burma Project (moderator)
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Related Information

Statement on George Soros's Visit to Burma
January 4, 2012
Visiting Burma in his capacity as a philanthropist and supporter of open society around the world, Soros met with a range of people involved in the reform process, including President U Thein Sein and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Voices From Burma
October 11, 2011
video VIDEO  
This event brings together prominent authors, actors, and Burmese dissidents to read excerpts of first-person accounts from the book Nowhere to Be Home: Narratives from Survivors of Burma's Military Regime.

Call for Proposals: Burma Project/Southeast Asia Initiative
Deadline: January 15, 2012
The Burma Project/Southeast Asia Initiative welcomes proposals from organizations working to promote human rights, independent media, and civil society in the region.

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