February 1 marked the second anniversary of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. As the junta continues to employ violent assaults against the population, the role of ethnic armed organizations remains crucial in advancing the resistance movement. In Rakhine State, the Arakan Army represents the largest and most consequential ethnic armed group in the region, with significant ability to sway the movement’s future development. Through versatile leadership, political clout, and budding alliances, the Arakan Army has emerged as a key player and critical force in the resistance movement.
Join us to discuss the development and role of the Arakan Army in Rakhine State since the 2021 military coup. Kyaw Hsan Hlaing, an expert on human rights and social justice in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, will discuss his recent policy paper outlining the growth and sophistication of the Arakan Army over the last two years. He will also examine the dynamics between the Arakan Army and other resistance groups, as well as the military junta. Yun Sun, Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the East Asia Program at the Stimson Center, will provide comments as the moderator.
Featured Speaker
Kyaw Hsan Hlaing, Contributing Writer, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute
Moderator
Yun Sun, Senior Fellow and Co-Director, East Asia Program, Stimson