序論：ミャンマー政変と地域・国際構造―地域研究と理論研究の交点から

抄録

Since 1988, Myanmar been subject to conflicting movements aimed at democratization and the suppression thereof, exemplified most recently by the military coup d’état of 2021. This paper considers this topic in relation to the broader international structure, in which countries such as the United States, China, and the ASEAN nations have engaged in various forms of democratization and the suppression of the same in Myanmar, giving rise to complex regional and inter­national politics.

Theoretical research on international relations has provided an excellent analysis of this international structure. In addition, area studies have produced a wealth of findings on the domestic politics and external actions of various countries; however, it can be challenging to conduct an analysis that combines theoretical research and area studies, as the two disciplines diverge considerably. This study integrates and considers findings from both disciplines as described below.

Based on theoretical research, this study identifies the characteristics of the international structure described above after the Cold War and since the latter half of the 2010s. It then confirms how that international structure has been correlated with movements to democratize Myanmar and the involvement of various countries therein. Furthermore, this study examines whether area studies may provide alternative arguments or supplement and revise the findings of theoretical research. Through this process, it may be possible to explain Myanmar’s political disturbances and the involvement of various countries as a fitting combination of international structures and domestic circumstances.

The results of this analysis will illustrate, for example, that while Myanmar pursued democratization with support from the United States and the EU in the context of international structures following the Cold War, the military of Myanmar retained its authoritarian grip and built its own hybrid regime. In addition, given the international antagonism between the United States and China, and the distance maintained by ASEAN nations from both countries, it will be explained how these countries are reducing their involvement in Myanmar as political chaos continues following the coup. This study also clarifies how ASEAN functions as a buffer between the inter­national structure and Asian countries.