In his 1968 book “Political Order in Changing Societies”, American political scientist Samuel P. Huntington wrote that violence and instability were in large part products of rapid social change and the precipitate entry of new groups into politics, coupled with the slow development of political institutions. Controversially, he also argued that order was a crucial objective in developing societies, and should be viewed separately from the nature of the governments attempting to impose it.
This thesis, which seemed to condone undemocratic practices, if exercised in the name of the greater public good, has since been challenged by numerous academics and human rights advocates. Yet, Huntington’s ideas are relevant to Myanmar today as the country approaches the end of its first five-year term of hybrid civilian-military government. In March, a new national parliament will be installed in Naypyidaw under Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy. A new president will then be chosen by both elected members of parliament and military appointees.
Please click here to read the full Order versus chaos in Myanmar article by Griffith Asia Institute Adjunct Associate Professor, Dr Andrew Selth.
