Burma’s Path to Democracy

Sound Bite

Burma is a country in transition: from monarchy to British colony, from independence to military dictatorships, and from the Generals to the Lady, Aung San Suu Kyi. This book traces one of the longest civil wars in history. It's about the Rohingya, one of the most persecuted people on earth. It's about pro-democracy uprisings, about sacrifice, and above all, the human resilience and capacity for hope. The book is based on true events and provides unique firsthand insights into key players in this enigmatic and troubled nation.

About the Book

Burma's Path to Democracy is a first-hand narrative of five decades of military dictatorship based on real life experiences and close personal relationships with the top level inner circle of Tatmadaw, the military regime. People like retired Brigadier General Aung Gyi firmly stood up for their principles against the monopoly of power and authoritarian military control.Here, a member of his own family recounts the dramatic moments when the Generals' coup was set in motion, and she follows through with a history of all that has unfolded since.

TinTin Delphin also chronicles the rise of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and international human rights icon who campaigned for democracy and human rights in the name of nonviolence. Once, she preached the virtues of nonviolent resistance against a military dictatorship, but now she has turned a blind eye to the mass killing, rape and shocking scale of human rights abuses by the military against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

This is a story of the Burmese people's extraordinary courage, tireless dedication, endless sacrifice and defiant struggle for human rights as citizens rise up against the dictators. The plight of the stateless Rohingya has gained world attention and over a dozen books have superbly documented the atrocities committed by the Burmese military, which UN labeled as ethnic cleansing with genocidal intent.

Burma's Path to Democracy goes a step further to include seldom-discussed broader implications -- including the British colonial legacy.

The story is seen through both Eastern and Western lenses. Sometimes the author is inserted as a character, sharing a personal "documentary" by a thoughtful and concerned young observer rather than an agenda-driven storyteller. Hence, the story is recounted from two perspectives -- that of a child growing up in Rangoon and that of a bi-cultural adult expatriate.

Travelers, businessmen, historians, journalists, and the intellectually curious will find facts and events of the last 70 years in that country, including the benefits and pitfalls of investing in the Golden Land today. As Burma is set to become an attractive new tourist destination, the book provides meaningful historical and cultural insights for thoughtful, intelligent travelers who seek authentic experiences behind the scenes.TinTin Delphin presents the recent history, transitional changes, current affairs, and the scenic and cultural highlights in this memoir and political history of Burma. The book provides insight into the multi-ethnic, multi-religion and pluralistic society's cultures and its friendly people, and what goes on behind the scenes.

Table content

Chapter 1. Royal Kingdom to British Colony to IndependenceChapter 2. Military CoupChapter 3. General Ne Win Era 1962–1988Chapter 4. Burmese Way to SocialismChapter 5. The General Than Shwe Era 1992–2011Chapter 6. Pro-Democratic LeadersChapter 7. The TransitionChapter 8. 2015 Democratic GovernmentChapter 9. Frontier Opportunities and ThreatsChapter 10. Face of the StatelessChapter 11. The ExodusChapter 12. The Civil WarChapter 13. The Burmese Way to Democracy