Event
The Strategic Culture of the United Wa State Army

Join us for a deep dive into the United Wa State Army, the largest ethnic armed organization in Myanmar, to discuss the UWSA’s strategic culture and what it means for the broader region.

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September 30, 2024

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  • September 30, 2024
  • 9:00 - 10:00 AM (US Eastern)
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Event Took Place

  • September 30, 2024
  • 9:00 - 10:00 AM (US Eastern)

In the tumultuous military and political landscape of post-coup Myanmar, the United Wa State Army (USWA) retains significant political influence as the leadership of a major ethnic coalition formed in 2017, the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC). In control of territories in Shan State with de facto autonomy, the UWSA and its political party have maintained a measure of neutrality between the junta and the resistance, making it a unique case among the ethnic armed groups. Stimson Nonresident Fellow Amara Thiha will discuss how the UWSA is charting its political course and the implications for the region.

Featured Speakers

Amara Thiha, Nonresident Fellow, Stimson; Doctoral Researcher, Peace Research Institute of Oslo

Pamela Kennedy, Research Analyst, East Asia Program (Moderator)

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Amara Thiha
Barnett R. Rubin
Daniel Markey