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The Dilemma of Violent Extremism and Conflict Escalation among Youths in Myanmar

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  • Ephraim Bassey Emah

    (University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States)

Abstract

Radicalisation and violent extremism remain a global concern that hinders peacebuilding in many ways. As youths become radicalised and participate in ethnic armies in Myanmar, their engagements are motivated by ethnonationalism agendas. Ethnonationalism encompasses the demand for political recognition, resource and territorial control, and liberation from structural injustices and repressive systems that marginalise ethnic minorities. These demands emerge from feelings of relative deprivation and frustration, which force ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) to seek recognition for their local constituencies. While several contemporary conversations conceptualise radicalisation and extremism in Myanmar from religious perspectives, they ignore the proliferation of political violence through ethnic ideologies as a form of extremism. Therefore, a clear understanding of extremism emerges when research questions why and how people radicalise, particularly when the phenomenon is viewed as an ‘ecology’ – a system with interconnected elements. Thus, the absence of systemic assessment of the structural factors that perpetuate vertical and horizontal forms of violence in Myanmar impedes a clear understanding of the complexity of the conflicts, and the motivations for youth indulgence in extremism. This research contributes to the understanding of politically-motivated grievances as a significant driver of violent extremism in Myanmar. Using research findings, it argues that violent extremism among youths in Myanmar is politically-motivated, emerging due to structural injustices perpetrated against ethnic minorities. These feelings result from relative deprivation, frustration and aggression, and the quest for significance, spurring a resolve to liberate one’s ethnic group from repressive and hegemonic political systems that impede participatory opportunities to decision-making and leadership.

Suggested Citation

  • Ephraim Bassey Emah, 2020. "The Dilemma of Violent Extremism and Conflict Escalation among Youths in Myanmar," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 4(12), pages 276-292, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:4:y:2020:i:12:p:276-292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Catherine Shanahan Renshaw, 2013. "Democratic Transformation and Regional Institutions: The Case of Myanmar and ASEAN," Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 32(1), pages 29-54.
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