Military rule in Myanmar strengthens through authoritarian-led democratization, risking democratic backsliding.
The article discusses how Myanmar's military rule influenced the country's democratization process. It explains how the military's institutional strength allowed them to successfully stage a coup in 2021. The military's influence was rooted in the political institutions established in the 2008 constitution, which guaranteed them significant power even after stepping back from direct governance. The recent coup was triggered by a perceived weakening of the military's political influence, despite initial justifications related to alleged election fraud. The article suggests that the emergence of new political institutions will be crucial in shaping Myanmar's future political landscape, highlighting the ongoing threat to democratization posed by deeply entrenched authoritarian legacies.