BURMA'S FOREIGN POLlCY : CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the foreign policy of Burma (now Myanmar) during the mid-1980s. It examines the enduring principle of neutrality and non-alignment that has been the cornerstone of Burmese foreign policy since independence. The study traces the historical origins of this policy, linking it to the country's geopolitical position and its desire to maintain autonomy from major power blocs. The research also identifies elements of change and adaptation in response to evolving regional and global dynamics, including its relations with neighboring China and Thailand, its role within the Non-Aligned Movement, and its cautious engagement with the West. The paper assesses the domestic drivers of foreign policy, particularly the influence of the military regime and its "Burmese Way to Socialism." It concludes by evaluating the successes and limitations of Burma's isolationist-leaning foreign policy in safeguarding its national interests.

Burma's foreign policy has long been characterized by a distinctive commitment to strict neutrality and non-interference, a stance deeply rooted in its colonial experience and strategic location. This paper examines the themes of continuity and change that defined this policy in the mid-1980s. The analysis begins by exploring the core tenets of continuity, focusing on the Ne Win regime's steadfast adherence to an independent and non-aligned foreign policy. This section details the "Burmese Way to Socialism" and how this ideology of self-reliance translated into a foreign policy that deliberately limited external engagements to preserve national sovereignty. The study then shifts to an analysis of the subtle but significant changes and adaptations. It investigates Burma's pragmatic management of its critical relationship with neighboring China, its handling of complex border issues with Thailand, and its active but cautious participation in the Non-Aligned Movement. The paper critically evaluates the costs and benefits of this approach. While the policy successfully shielded Burma from the direct turmoil of the Cold War, it also resulted in economic stagnation and diplomatic isolation. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of how a state attempts to navigate the international system by prioritizing internal stability and ideological purity over broader engagement, offering insights into the dilemmas faced by isolationist regimes in an interdependent world.