Transition to Nowhere
After decades of military rule, Myanmar’s gradual opening to the world was once hailed as a rare international success story. Since 1962, the country had been under military control, but Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as an enduring symbol of hope, leading the push for democracy from years of house arrest. Her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), became a beacon for democratic aspirations, earning Suu Kyi the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2008, the military initiated tentative steps toward democratic reform by introducing a new constitution and setting an election timetable.
After decades of isolation the political reforms saw huge sums of money pour into Myanmar’s economy, the opening Junction Square’s shopping mall seemed to represent these changes and the country's embrace of global consumer culture. Kamayut Township, 2012.
With the opening up of the country, mobile phones have became more accessible, along wiht internet access. Aung San Suu Kyi leader of the NLD adresses a rally ousided Yangon. 2012.
Internally displaced people (IDPs) camp next to the border with Thailand. By the end of 2022 1.5 million people had been displaced by the conflict and violence with doubling as the fighting continued to intensify across much of the country.
After decades of isolation the political reforms saw huge sums of money pour into Myanmar’s economy, the opening Junction Square’s shopping mall seemed to represent these changes and the country's embrace of global consumer culture. Kamayut Township, 2012.