ISPSW Strategy Series: Focus on Defense and International Security Issue Myanmar’s Rohingya Problem in Context No. 485 Anchalee Rüland May 2017 Myanmar’s Rohingya Problem in Context Anchalee Rüland 1 May 2017 Executive Summary Images of beaten Rohingya went around the globe in October 2016. They have sparked unabated international attention for the plight of the stateless Muslim community in Western Myanmar. But ever since, the international mainstream media have portrayed the conflict almost exclusively in terms of human rights violations, racism and government inaction. Many have suggested that by giving full citizenship rights and providing greater state protection, the humanitarian crisis facing the Rohingya would be resolved. However, calls for fasttrack citizenship inadequately consider the complexity of the conflict that is not only about legal status, but deeply rooted in contested claims of ethnic identity. The hatred seen on both sides today evolved historically following (post-) colonial demarcations and subsequent waves of immigration. Legal reform alone would therefore do little to substantively improve the situation, whereas the biased, proRohingya media reporting has in fact further increased resentment, as the Buddhist Rahkines feel mischaracterized and unfairly treated. What is necessary is a more balanced debate, which is sensitive to the historical dimensions of the conflict and takes seriously all conflict parties. Long-term approaches to conflict resolution therefore not only need to consider the question of citizenship, but more importantly have to build new trust between the two communities in Rakhine. About ISPSW The Institute for Strategic, Political, Security and Economic Consultancy (ISPSW) is a private institute for research and consultancy. The ISPSW is objective and task oriented, and impartial to party politics. In an ever more complex international environment of globalized economic processes and worldwide political, ecological, social and cultural change, that bring major opportunities but also risks, decision makers in enterprises and politics depend more than ever before on the advice of highly qualified experts. ISPSW offers a range of services, including strategic analyses, security consultancy, executive coaching and intercultural competency. ISPSW publications examine a wide range of topics relating to politics, economy, international relations, and security/defence. ISPSW network experts have operated in executive positions, in some cases for decades, and command wide-ranging experience in their respective areas of specialization. 1 I would like to thank Dr. Norbert Eschborn, Authorized Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation in Myanmar, under whose supervision this article evolved, for his ongoing feedback and support in getting the final product published. © Institut für Strategie- Politik- Sicherheits- und Wirtschaftsberatung ISPSW Giesebrechtstr. 9 10629 Berlin Germany Tel +49 (0)30 88 91 89 05 Fax +49 (0)30 88 91 89 06 1 E-Mail: info@ispsw.de Website: http://www.ispsw.de