Conclusion: "Changes in state structure have profoundly affected the historical formation and mobilisation of ethnic identities in Burma. Since 1962, the ?ethnocratic state? has suppressed non-Burman political identities and the operation of civil society, with profound consequences for the conceptualisation and expressions of ethnicity. The altered relationship between the central government (and Burmese military) and some minority groups (and ethnic insurgents), as a result of the ceasefire process, constitutes a significant realignment of state-society relations. As a result, new forms of social and political organisation have begun to emerge within the Mon and other minority communities, which have the potential to affect state structures, including those of the ?liberated zones?. Whether the re-alignment of ethnic minority politics ultimately feeds back into the loop, and contributes towards transition at the national level, will depend on how politicians react to political opportunities - and attendant risks. Meanwhile, the NMSP is in danger of becoming marginalised, unless it can respond to the new environment with a new strategic vision. The ceasefire groups are uniquely positioned to take the lead in redefining the nature of civil-military relations in Burma. Ultimately, for both the Tatmadaw and the armed ethnic groups, the transition from insurgency to relative peace and stability - of which the present military regime is so proud - is less difficult than that from dictatorship to democracy. The first phase (peacemaking) is a prerequisite of the second phase (peace-building), but the latter addresses more fundamental issues. After decades of conflict, and amid on-going repression, opportunities exist for conflict resolution and political transition in Burma. To varying degrees, the SPDC, the NLD and ethnic minority leaders have all expressed their desire for peaceful social and political development. Although the scope and mechanics of any transition will be negotiated among elites, in order for recovery to be effective, members of the country?s diverse social and ethnic groups must enjoy participation and a sense of ?ownership? in the process. Post-conflict transformation thus requires the rehabilitation of Burmese civil society. This difficult and uneven process is already underway, and is worthy of support. Foreign governments, UN agencies and INGOs should work to empower those non-regime groups attempting to work inside Burma, under the most challenging circumstances. They should also continue to bring pressure on the SPDC to initiate political reform and enter into dialogue with representatives of Burma?s ethnic minority and opposition groups. Although the international community can play an important role in facilitating political transition, the success of this process will depend on the Burmese state and social groups. Based on a reading of British and French history, Skocpol suggests that ?states not only conduct decision-making, coercive, and adjudicative activities in different ways, but also give rise to various conceptions of the meaning and methods of ?politics? itself, conceptions that influence the behaviour of all groups and classes in national societies.? The field of political culture - attitudes to and valuations of power and politics - is often stubbornly resistant to change. As Alan Smith and Khin Maung Win observe, the absence of consensus and ?accumulated distrust and unwillingness to compromise between and centre- and Burman-dominated state … and non-Burman ethnic groups? is the most serious obstacle to political transition. In a recent report for the Minority Rights Group, Martin Smith concludes that ?conflict resolution, demilitarization and the building of civil society will be vital bridges in achieving reconciliation in the country and supporting the creation of conditions in which democracy can take root and minority rights be enjoyed.?78 However, as he - and many ethnic minority leaders - recognise, if it is to be sustained, peace and reconciliation must be accompanied by a just settlement of state-society issues."