Burma, Not Myanmar: A Name Change Can’t Erase Brutality
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.
The generals claimed the change was meant to reflect a more inclusive, diverse nation. But that narrative is a lie. In reality, Burma has long been dominated by the Bamar (Burman) ethnic majority, who control the government, military, and much of the economy. The name “Myanmar” was chosen to make it seem like all ethnic groups were equally represented, when in fact, the Karen, Karenni, Kachin, Shan, Mon, Chin, Arakan, and many others have been systematically oppressed for generations.
Through intentional Burmanization their languages have been suppressed. Their villages have been burned. Their people have been tortured, raped, and murdered. The military has waged brutal campaigns in ethnic states under the false pretense of national unity. What they call “unity” is actually a campaign of domination and terror.
Calling the country Myanmar is not neutral—it is a form of compliance with propaganda. It lends legitimacy to a regime that has never represented its people. It silences the suffering of millions who never agreed to the name or the false narrative it upholds.
We must call it what it is: Burma. A country with a deep colonial and post-colonial history. A place where freedom fighters and ethnic communities continue to risk their lives for democracy, human rights, and self-determination.
A name cannot cleanse a regime’s crimes. A new name does not equal a new nation.
It is time for the international community, human rights organizations, and anyone who stands for justice to reject the generals’ branding campaign. Stop using a name that was imposed by force to cover up decades of genocide.
Return to Burma—a name that still echoes the voice of resistance. And support the call for ethnic self-governance, freedom, and a democracy where all people, not just the elite, have a voice.
References:
Myint-U, Thant. Where China Meets India: Burma and the New Crossroads of Asia (2011)
Martin, Michael F. Burma’s Political Prisoners and Prisoner Releases, Congressional Research Service (2021)
Linnén, Bertil. “Burma vs. Myanmar: What’s in a Name?” Asia Times (2020)
United Nations Human Rights Office. Ongoing Oppression in Myanmar, UN Operations Report (2022)
International Crisis Group. Myanmar’s Ethnic Armed Conflict and Aspirations for Federalism (2023)
