In today’s polarized discourse, tariffs are often met with swift judgment and short-sighted criticism. Critics focus on rising prices and short-term disruptions. But what’s missing from that conversation is a deeper understanding: tariffs are not just about economics—they are about national strength, strategic positioning, and the defense of democratic values globally.

The recent visit of Burmese Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to Thailand, marked by his high-level meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has sparked international interest and scrutiny. On the surface, it may seem like a diplomatic exchange between neighbors—but beneath the photo ops and polite rhetoric lies a deeper concern: Min Aung Hlaing’s ambitions, reputation, and track record pose a real risk to Thailand’s stability, global standing, and moral leadership in the region.

This article examines the Burma (Myanmar) military's consistent pattern of neglecting civilian needs during national emergencies, focusing on two significant events: the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2025 earthquake. In both instances, the military junta prioritized its interests, undermining public health and safety. The paper highlights key actions taken by the military during these crises and provides recommendations for international engagement.

In the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Burma (Myanmar), the international community is once again confronted with a critical moral and political decision: whether to provide aid through a brutal military regime with a long history of corruption and abuse—or to stand firmly with the people and ensure support is delivered directly through trusted, independent channels.

In July 2019, Rev. Hkalam Samson, a prominent Kachin Christian leader from Burma (Myanmar), met with then-President Donald J. Trump at the White House during the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. There, he thanked the United States for promoting religious liberty and courageously exposed the Burmese military’s brutal oppression of ethnic minorities, including Christians.

The Karen National Union (KNU), a longstanding political organization that many Karen assert does not represent their interests, and point out they were never elected by the Karen people. Recent scrutiny has cast shadows on some of its affiliated and splinter factions, particularly the Border Guard Force (BGF) and Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), with questions arising over alleged involvement in human trafficking, drug trafficking, and online scam operations centered along the Thai-Myanmar border.

Instead of aiding survivors or allowing relief to reach impacted regions, the Burmese military junta is reportedly using this vulnerable moment to escalate violence, unleashing aerial bombings on already displaced and traumatized communities in ethnic minority states such as Kayin (Karen), Kayah (Karenni), and Shan.

For decades, Burma (Myanmar)'s military junta—known as the Tatmadaw—has employed a deliberate strategy of divide and conquer to maintain power and control over the country’s diverse ethnic populations. Central to this strategy is the installation and manipulation of proxy leaders within ethnic communities, fracturing internal unity and weakening collective resistance against centralized military rule.

In political discussions, the terms republic and democracy are often used interchangeably—but they are not the same. While both forms of government empower citizens and value participation, they differ in structure, decision-making, and the protection of individual rights. Understanding these differences is essential to grasp how governments operate and serve their people.

A democracy—especially a direct democracy—is generally easier to manipulate or co-opt through mass influence, while a republic is harder to manipulate outright but can be corrupted over time through institutional decay.

In light of the 2025 Burma earthquake, some have tried to blame U.S. President Donald Trump for the tragic loss of life, claiming his administration’s restructuring of USAID “cut off” crucial support. But this narrative oversimplifies the issue and ignores a long, bipartisan history of foreign aid being squandered—regardless of who’s in the White House.

In a stunning shift that’s shaking the foundations of American politics, polling trends, public sentiment, and strategic missteps are converging to paint a clear picture: the Republican Party is on the rise, while Democrats appear unwilling—or unable—to respond to what the electorate is demanding. If the current trajectory continues, the United States may be headed for one of the most significant political realignments in decades.

When evaluating truth, especially in historical or non-repeatable events, it's important to understand the difference between two main approaches:

In 2025, young adults aged 18 to 30 are navigating one of the most complex cultural and emotional landscapes in modern history. From mental health struggles and economic instability to identity confusion and social disconnection, the pressure is real—and constant.

But a quiet shift is happening.

The Korean Peninsula remains one of the last frontiers of Cold War division—split by ideology, governance, and freedom. While South Korea thrives as a democratic, innovative society, its northern counterpart remains locked in a brutal totalitarian regime that suppresses the human spirit and denies its people basic human rights.

As Generation Z (born 1997–2012) and the emerging Generation Alpha (born 2013–2025) step into the professional world, they bring fresh perspectives shaped by rapid technological advancements and evolving societal values. To thrive in today’s dynamic work environment, it’s crucial for these generations to master conflict resolution, prioritize personal development, seek mentorship, and cultivate high-trust relationships.

In 1989, just one year after the military's bloody crackdown on the pro-democracy uprising, the ruling junta unilaterally changed the name of the country from Burma to Myanmar. This was not simply a linguistic update—it was a strategic rebranding by one of the world’s most brutal regimes, aimed at whitewashing decades of oppression, violence, and ethnic cleansing.

Growing up, I was the kid with a million ideas. I could see solutions where others saw problems, dream up new businesses, and imagine entire worlds in my mind. Teachers and peers often called me "creative," "visionary," and “full of potential.” But there was a catch—those ideas rarely made it past my imagination.

There are books that inform, and then there are books that transform. I Am Not Unbreakable by Ethan Maxwell Landry is the latter—a raw, unflinching memoir that grips your heart, challenges your perspective, and refuses to let go even after the final page.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Ethan for many years, and I have firsthand knowledge of his journey. His life story is nothing short of incredible. Behind his quiet strength lies a depth of resilience that few can imagine. While I always admired his humility and determination, reading this memoir revealed the full weight of what he has endured—and overcome.

For decades, the United States has positioned itself as a global leader in humanitarian aid and development, allocating billions of dollars annually to support vulnerable populations across the globe. However, as organizations like PowerMentor have witnessed firsthand in the field, a troubling pattern has emerged: U.S. foreign aid often fails to reach the people who need it most.