Exploring Conflict Sensitivity for FDIs and TNCs in Myanmar - Visualizing spatial patterns of conflict

This thesis explores conflict sensitivity for Foreign Direct Investments and Transnational Companies in Myanmar by visualizing spatial patterns of conflict. By applying a mixed method research design containing qualitative research and GIS my aim is to explore how GIS can be developed into a visualization tool for conflict analysis in a conflict sensitive approach for foreign businesses and investments in Myanmar. My primary sources of data have been reports, academic literature, geospatial data, and other georeferenced datasets. Myanmar has experienced a period of almost 50 years of military dictatorship, as well as continued protracted intrastate conflicts and civil war even after the change to a nominally civilian government in 2011. During the 90s and early 2000s western actors imposed strict economic and political sanctions on the country. In 2011 western actors moved towards normalised diplomatic and economic relations, leading to Myanmar’s economy to be open for transnational companies and foreign direct investments. There are still high levels of intrastate conflicts in Myanmar. Thus, to avoid escalating or creating new conflicts while operating in the country businesses and investments need increased awareness of how to act in a conflict sensitive way