“The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.”
Myanmar, previously known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian country home to 55 million people and has endured a long and turbulent history. From British colonisation to contemporary ethnic, social, political, and religious divides, military rule, economic sanctions, intense oppression, and some of the worst standards of living in the continent have marred the country. Since 2021 the latest escalations in violence have led to the outbreak of a brutal civil war that has led to nearly 50,000 deaths already. Join us at What We Reading to learn more about the history of the country and the Myanmar civil war with these informative and illuminating books.
Conflict In Myanmar: War, Politics, Religion – Nick Cheesman And Nicholas Farrelly
Originally published in 2016, Conflict in Myanmar is an exploration into the turbulent socio-political landscape of the country in the five years. Split into seventeen distinct chapters contributed by those attending the 2015 Myanmar Update conference, it is a deeply researched and analytical approach to the civil wars, political upheavals and religious tensions that have dominated Myanmar for generations now.
Conflict in Myanmar is one of the best books for understanding the complex and divisive issues that dominate this Southeast Asian state, and that have laid the foundations for the present Myanmar civil war.
Burma: A Nation At The Crossroads – Benedict Rogers
Benedict Rogers chronicles over fifty years of Burmese history in his book on the country, A Nation at the Crossroads. Ranked as one of the world’s most repressive dictatorships and accused of countless acts against humanity, all of the turbulent elections, and ethnic and religious diversities that have led to the present civil war are expertly detailed by Rogers.
This book, accessible, fascinating, and masterfully researched, tackles the stakes at play in the Myanmar civil war, analysing how the country could be poised for freedom or a fresh wave of oppression.
Burmese Days – George Orwell
One of the best books on Burma ever written, George Orwell’s Burmese Days gives readers an insight into the attitudes helped by those both inside and outside of the country during the time of colonisation. A striking commentary on the inequalities and corruption that ran rife under British rule, Orwell’s acclaimed piece of historical fiction follows Flory, a white timber merchant who befriends Dr Veraswami, a black enthusiast for the Empire.
Though a work of fiction, Orwell taps into his own experiences as a policeman in the country to provide a very real account of the divisions and hierarchies that have continued to plague the country in the years since.
The Hidden History Of Burma: Race, Capitalism, And The Crisis Of Democracy In The 21st Century – Thant Myint-U
Thant Myint-U expertly breaks down the struggles of Myanmar in The Hidden History of Burma, sandwiched in the shadows of China and India and still reeling from years of colonial rule and dictatorships.
Myint-U, a historian, former diplomat, and presidential advisor, chronicles how volatile challenges, both domestically and abroad, dashed hopes of change and democracy, leading to the instability, civil war, and near collapse of the country we see today.
Myanmar’s Enemy Within: Buddhist Violence And The Making Of A Muslim ‘Other’ – Francis Wade
One of the most eye-opening and narrative-challenging books on the Myanmar civil war comes from Francis Wade in Myanmar’s Enemy Within. Originally published in 2012, it chronicles the religious divide, tensions and subsequent violence that has erupted between ethnic Buddhists and Muslims primarily in the west of the country.
An illuminating account of how the ruling elite have manipulated identities and agendas, Wade challenges that not all who preach about democracy in the country are as tolerant and peaceful as they portray.
Blood, Dreams And Gold: The Changing Face Of Burma – Richard Cockett
Richard Cockett’s Blood, Dreams and Gold is one of the best books on the history of Burma for those looking to understand the causations and motivators behind the present-day civil war. Taking a holistic and humane approach, Cockett breaks down Burma’s tricky path from colonisation, authoritarian rule and finally civil war.
One of the most accomplished books on understanding the complexities of Myanmar’s present-day challenges, Blood, Dreams and Gold is ideal for anyone who has only recently found themselves immersed in the story of the country and is keen to learn more.
Letters From Burma – Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi has become one of the most prominent figureheads for freedom and democracy across the developing world, with her house arrest at the hands of Myanmar’s military junta being the event that first stirred many observers’ attention towards the country.
Letters from Burma is a collection of letters from the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner during her imprisonment, offering a still-relevant analysis of Burmese culture and a program for reform in the future.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
