A Model for Independent Ethnic States in Burma (Myanmar): A Path to Lasting Peace

For true peace and stability in Burma (Myanmar), each ethnic group must have full independence rather than being forced into a centralized state dominated by the Bamar elite. This model envisions a system where each ethnic nation governs itself, with shared cooperation only in areas of mutual interest (trade, regional security, and diplomacy).

1. Independent Ethnic States: Breaking Burma (Myanmar) Apart

Burma (Myanmar) is not a naturally unified country—it was a colonial construct forced together by the British. To achieve lasting peace, its major ethnic groups should form independent sovereign nations, reflecting historical ethnic territories.

A New Path of Independence for Each Ethnic People, Imagine…

·         Burma (Bamar heartland) – For the ethnic Bamar, with Naypyidaw as its political center.

·         Karen Nation – Full sovereignty for the Karen, based in the traditional Karen State with Rangoon as its capitol.

·         Shan Nation – A fully independent Shan country, no longer under Burmese control.

·         Kachin Nation – Governed by the Kachin, with their own military and laws.

·         Chin Nation – Complete independence for the Chin people.

·         Mon Nation – A separate nation-state for the Mon ethnic group.

·         Rakhine Nation – A sovereign Rakhine (Arakanese) country, controlling its own coast and economy.

·         Each of these states will have total control over their independence, governance, economy, military, and culture, with no interference from the Bamar elite. They will all be independent working collaboratively to support one anothers independence.

2. Political and Governance Structures: A Multi-Nation Alliance

Instead of a federal system (which would still place power in the hands of the Bamar), these new nations could form a regional alliance for shared cooperation, similar to the European Union (EU) or ASEAN, but with full sovereignty for each member.

Key Principles of the Ethnic Nations' Alliance (ENA):

✅ Each nation is fully independent – No central Burmese government, no shared military.
✅ Mutual cooperation for trade, regional security, and diplomacy – Only voluntary agreements between nations.
✅ Borders are strictly defined – No military incursions or land grabs.
✅ No single dominant ethnic group – Each nation controls its own laws, language, and economy.
✅ Military neutrality agreements – No forced allegiance to a single military entity like the Tatmadaw.

This ensures that each ethnic group rules itself while maintaining peaceful cooperation where beneficial.

3. Economic Framework: Building Sustainable Independence

Each new independent nation must control its own economy and resources, rather than sending profits to a corrupt Burmese government or military elite.

Key Economic Policies for Each Nation:

💰 Full ownership of natural resources – Each nation controls its own mines, forests, and rivers.
💰 No forced taxation from a central government – Nations keep their own revenue.
💰 Trade agreements between ethnic states – No Bamar-controlled monopoly on goods and exports.
💰 International investment tailored to each ethnic nation – Avoid dependence on the Burmese economy.
💰 Development of local industries – Focus on self-sufficient agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

By removing control from Bamar elites and the military, each ethnic group can thrive independently.

4. Security and Military: Removing the Tatmadaw from Ethnic Territories

The Burmese military (Tatmadaw) has been the primary force of oppression for over 75 years. For these new nations to succeed, they must completely remove the Tatmadaw from their territories and form their own independent defense forces.

Key Security Measures:

⚔️ Each ethnic nation forms its own military – No central Burmese military control.
⚔️ Mutual defense pacts – Ethnic nations defend each other from external threats.
⚔️ International recognition and military alliances – Seeking security agreements with global powers (e.g., India, ASEAN, UN peacekeeping forces).
⚔️ De-militarization of civilian areas – Avoiding Tatmadaw-style oppression within ethnic nations.
⚔️ Justice for war crimes – Holding Tatmadaw generals accountable in international courts.

This ensures that no single military power can dominate the region while allowing each ethnic group to protect itself.

5. International Recognition and Diplomatic Pathways

For these independent nations to succeed, they need formal recognition from the international community.

Steps for Gaining Recognition:

🌍 Petitions to the United Nations (UN) – Seeking official recognition for ethnic nations.
🌍 Engaging ASEAN and neighboring countries – Building diplomatic ties with Thailand, India, and other key players.
🌍 Rejecting Burmese national identity – Distancing from Bamar-controlled institutions.
🌍 Formal independence declarations – Following models like Kosovo or South Sudan.
🌍 Global awareness campaigns – Educating the world on the historical right to independence for these ethnic nations.

Once recognized internationally, these nations can establish independent embassies, trade agreements, and security alliances.

6. The End of Burma (Myanmar) as a Forced State

By dismantling the artificial colonial borders of Burma (Myanmar) and restoring independent ethnic nations, the region can finally move past 75 years of war, oppression, and dictatorship.

Summary of the Model:

Category/Solution

Political System: Full independence for each ethnic group (NO federalism).

Economy: Each nation controls its own resources and revenue.

Military: No Tatmadaw control—each nation forms its own defense force.

Borders: Clearly defined, with no forced unity.

Diplomacy: Seeking international recognition and global alliances.

This plan removes Bamar dominance, military rule, and forced unity, allowing each ethnic group to govern itself freely.

Conclusion: A Future Without Burmanization or Oppression

• General Aung San created the Burmanization system that led to 75 years of violence.

• Aung San Suu Kyi failed to dismantle that system, choosing power over justice.

• The only real solution is for Burma (Myanmar) to be dismantled into fully independent ethnic nations.

No more military oppression. No more false unity. No more ethnic suppression.

The future of Karen, Shan, Kachin, Mon, Chin, Rakhine, and Rohingya lies in full sovereignty, not compromise.

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Diplomatic Proposal for the Recognition and Independence of Ethnic Nations in Burma (Myanmar)

This diplomatic proposal outlines a strategic framework for achieving full sovereignty for Burma (Myanmar)’s ethnic nations through international recognition, economic independence, and regional cooperation. This proposal aims to dismantle the Burmanization system imposed by General Aung San and upheld by Aung San Suu Kyi, ensuring that each ethnic group governs itself freely without Bamar dominance.

I. Strategic Rationale for Independence

1. Historical Justification for Sovereignty

• Burma (Myanmar) was artificially created by British colonial rule, forcing over 135 ethnic groups into a single state without consent.

• General Aung San’s Panglong Agreement (1947) failed to include several major ethnic groups, leading to decades of ethnic war.

• The Burmanization policies of the Burmese military and political elites have resulted in:

• Ethnic cleansing of Rohingya, Karen, Shan, Kachin, and Mon people.

• Military occupation of ethnic lands, resource theft, and forced labor.

• Religious discrimination, with Buddhism being imposed over Christian, Muslim, and animist communities.

• Since Burma (Myanmar) has failed to function as a unified state, the only sustainable solution is complete independence for each ethnic group.

2. The Failure of Federalism and Shared Governance

• Federalism has failed because the Bamar military (Tatmadaw) controls 25% of Parliament and key ministries.

• The 2015 NLD government led by Aung San Suu Kyi failed to grant ethnic autonomy despite winning the election.

• The 2021 military coup proves that Burma (Myanmar) cannot be reformed from within—it must be broken apart entirely.

II. Roadmap to Full Independence for Ethnic Nations

Step 1: Declaration of Sovereignty

Each ethnic nation (Karen, Shan, Kachin, Mon, Chin, Rakhine, Rohingya) should:
✅ Issue formal declarations of independence based on historical land claims.
✅ Establish interim governments-in-exile in friendly countries (Thailand, India, Malaysia).
✅ Draft independent constitutions with democratic governance.

Step 2: Diplomatic Engagement for International Recognition

🌍 United Nations (UN): Submit applications for recognition to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
🌍 ASEAN Regional Support: Build relations with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to push for recognition.
🌍 Western Allies: Engage with the US, UK, EU, and Canada to secure diplomatic backing and sanctions on the Burmese military.
🌍 Muslim Nations & OIC: Gain support from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Rohingya statehood.
🌍 Ethnic Alliance: Unite as an Ethnic Nations' Alliance (ENA) to present a coordinated diplomatic front.

Step 3: Economic and Military Preparedness

💰 Economic Stability:

• Secure foreign direct investment (FDI) for infrastructure and trade.

• Develop resource-sharing agreements between independent ethnic states.

• Establish independent banking systems separate from Burmese financial control.

⚔️ Security Measures:

• Expel Tatmadaw forces from ethnic lands through coordinated resistance.

• Create ethnic defense forces to protect new sovereign borders.

• Form regional security pacts with India, Thailand, and ASEAN allies.

III. Legal Case for Independence

1. Violation of International Law by Burma (Myanmar)

📜 Genocide Convention (1948): The Tatmadaw’s ethnic cleansing of Rohingya constitutes genocide, justifying intervention.
📜 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Ethnic minorities have the right to self-determination.
📜 Montevideo Convention (1933): Each ethnic nation meets the legal criteria for statehood (permanent population, defined territory, government, capacity for relations).

2. Precedents for Ethnic Independence

• South Sudan (2011): Gained independence from Sudan after ethnic and religious persecution.

• East Timor (2002): Secured independence from Indonesia through international intervention.

• Kosovo (2008): Declared independence from Serbia, recognized by over 100 countries.

Burma (Myanmar)’s ethnic nations can follow these models to gain international recognition.

IV. The New Ethnic Nations: Political and Economic Vision

1. Governance Structure

✅ Democratic, decentralized government free from Bamar control.
✅ Civilian rule with protections for indigenous rights and religious freedom.
✅ No single dominant ethnic group—each nation governs itself.

2. Economic Independence & Trade Agreements

💰 Control over natural resources (gas, minerals, agriculture).
💰 Independent trade partnerships with India, Thailand, and ASEAN.
💰 No economic dependence on Burma (Myanmar) or China.

3. Security and Defense

⚔️ Expulsion of Tatmadaw from all non-Bamar regions.
⚔️ Formation of ethnic self-defense forces.
⚔️ Regional security agreements with neighboring countries.

V. International Support Needed

To ensure successful independence, ethnic nations require:

🔹 Recognition from UN, ASEAN, US, EU, and OIC
🔹 Economic partnerships for stability
🔹 Military and humanitarian assistance for security and refugee protection
🔹 Sanctions against the Burmese military until they withdraw from ethnic lands

VI. Conclusion: The End of Burmanization & a New Future

✅ General Aung San’s forced unity has failed—Burma (Myanmar) must be broken apart.
✅ Aung San Suu Kyi upheld Bamar dominance instead of fighting for true democracy.
✅ Federalism is a trap—only full independence can end 75 years of violence.

🚨 The world must recognize Karen, Shan, Kachin, Mon, Chin, Rakhine, and Rohingya as independent nations.

Next Steps:

• Official independence declarations from ethnic governments.

• Launch of global diplomatic campaigns.

• Formation of Ethnic Nations' Alliance (ENA) to coordinate efforts.

Final Message:

Burma (Myanmar) has failed as a state. It is time to liberate its people and restore sovereignty to its rightful ethnic nations. The era of Burmanization must end forever.