Description:
"Burma, also known as Myanmar, is an important
case study in wider international debates on the
politics of sanctions versus constructive engagement,
and the role of companies and NGOs in controversial states.
Since 1962 Burma has been ruled by a succession of
military and quasi-military regimes. All the main political
actors, including the armed forces, agree that it should
eventually return to some form of democratic rule. The
questions are: when and by what route? And how, if at all,
can the international community assist?
One of the most important features of the Burma
debate is the role played by non-state actors ? particularly
NGOs, but also companies. A loose coalition of advocacy
groups has put pressure on Western governments to
impose sanctions on Burma, and on companies to
withdraw from the country. Petroleum companies, in
particular, have been accused of collaborating with an
illegitimate regime. But such campaigns raise further
questions: what role should advocacy groups play in
foreign policy-making? And what are the real responsibilities
of international companies in controversial states?..."
Source/publisher:
Royal Institute for International Affairs (Briefing Papers, New Series No. 24)
Date of Publication:
2001-10-00
Date of entry:
2010-09-02
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Language:
English