ABSTRACT
As Myanmar continues its transition from a military state to a quasi-democratic one, its economic growth rates have risen concomitantly (World Bank Group 2014, 7). Given the penury to which the country descended over the military period, Myanmar’s masses would appear poised to reap benefits from this growth, as the rising tide lifts all boats (Farrelly 2016). However, closer examination of the structure of the political economy (see Chapter 18; Nyo Tun 2016) dampens enthusiasm: average Myanmar people face four interlacing challenges – a highly resource-extractive growth model; agrarian displacement; few good jobs to reabsorb displaced labourers; and inadequate or eroding safety nets – that may leave them materially worse off.
