Military Coup in Myanmar

On February 1, Myanmar’s military seized power, claiming that the country’s November election was fraudulent. The military has since detained many high-ranking political officials, such as the country’s top civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. It also imposed restrictions on the population, such as cutting off access to the internet, blocking social media, implementing a curfew, and limiting how many people can gather in one location.

Instructors, click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.

Download the PowerPoint Lecture Spark for “Military Coup in Myanmar "

Links

“Myanmar military ruler addresses nation as protests intensify”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/8/myanmar-military-leader-gives-first-address-to-nation-since-coup

“Myanmar coup leader defends action amid mass protests”
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55975746

“U.K. Sees Myanmar Coup as Irreversible, Risk of Violence Rising”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-08/u-k-sees-myanmar-coup-as-irreversible-risk-of-violence-rising

“Myanmar general repeats pledge of new election as thousands join protests against coup”
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics/myanmar-police-warn-protesters-to-disperse-or-face-force-idUSKBN2A8054

“Myanmar will test Biden’s commitment to defending global democracy”
https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/01/world/myanmar-analysis-collinson-meanwhile-intl/index.html

“Analysis: Why is Myanmar’s military so powerful?”
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/2/2/analysis-why-is-myanmar-military-so-powerful

“U.S. could push Myanmar closer to China if Biden slaps sanctions on Southeast Asian country”
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/03/myanmar-coup-us-could-push-myanmar-to-china-if-biden-slaps-sanctions.html

“What happens next with Myanmar? – opinion”
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/what-happens-next-with-myanmar-opinion-658041

Assessment

Writing: Describe why protesters are upset with the Myanmar military.
Debate: The U.S. and the international community should intervene in Myanmar to promote democracy and stability.
Poll: The best form of government is one elected by the people.
Short Answer: What would be the ramifications if China and Myanmar develop stronger ties?

Current events quiz:

1) All the following are examples of how Myanmar’s security forces have tightened their grip on power EXCEPT _______.

a. detaining many high-ranking political leaders
b. cutting off access to the internet and blocking social media
c. executing hundreds of protesters for blocking traffic in the capital city
d. implementing curfews

2) Which of the following countries has the potential to exert additional power and influence over Myanmar as a result of the coup?

a. India
b. China
c. Russia
d. United States

3) Which of the following is true?

a. The Myanmar military seized power by detaining civilian leaders.
b. Chinese warships bombarded the Myanmar coastline for human rights abuses.
c. The international community has remained silent concerning the Myanmar coup.
d. The Myanmar civilian leadership engaged in treason which resulted in the restructuring of the government.

4) Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Myanmar because of the military coup. (T/F)

5) Aung San Suu Kyi has recently been accused of corruption. (T/F)

6) The justification by the military for taking power is a severe famine. (T/F)

Answers:

1) C

2) B

3) A

4) True

5) False

6) False

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Featured Image Credit: Alireza.zahraee / https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-protest/tens-of-thousands-gather-for-second-day-of-street-protests-in-myanmar-witnesses-idUSKBN2A702Y