Mon Nationalist Movements: insurgency, ceasefires and political struggle

This paper briefly outlines the development of Mon ethnicity as a politically salient characteristic, during the pre-colonial and colonial periods in Burma. It goes on to describe the emergence of Mon ethno-nationalist movements (both insurgent and non-armed) in the postindependence period. The paper examines the ways in which nationalist elites have mobilized support around ideas of Mon ethnic identity, and the various political strategies adopted in relation to ‘others’ - including elaboration of a federalist platform, in alliance with other ethno-nationalist groups; cooperation with the ‘pan-Burmese’ democracy movement; and uneasy accommodations with the militarized state. ¶ The paper outlines the dynamics of armed ethnic conflict in ‘Monland’, and reviews the political and humanitarian impacts of this ‘low-intensity’ civil war, as well as positive and negative developments since the ceasefire agreed in 1995 between the military government and the New Mon State Party. It examines how Mon civil society groups in Burma have over the past decade promoted community development, and limited democratization ‘from below’, within the constraints of an oppressive and predatory state structure. ¶ The paper concludes with an assessment of the strategic options available to Mon and other ethno-nationalist communities in 2007. This includes a critical analysis of federalist politics, and the roles of armed ethnic groups. The arguments and analysis are primarily drawn from the author’s two books: Mon Nationalism and Civil War in Burma: the Golden Sheldrake (RoutledgeCurzon 2003; reprint edition 2005) and States of Conflict: Ethnic Politics in Burma (Routledge 2008 - forthcoming)