Myanmar: Political History and Institutionalized Heritage Practice

This chapter provides background on geography, demographics, history, and political culture of Myanmar. The analytical focus is set on (reoccurring) ideological patterns and a dysfunctional national imagination throughout changing political regimes. In this context the historical development of institutionalized heritage practice and ideologically shaped protective legislation for cultural heritage are discussed. The chapter draws particular attention to the 1988–2011 period of the SLORC/SPDC military regime and the 2011–2020 period of democratic reforms and “transition.” It also provides vital insights on the history and development of Myanmar’s persisting ethnic conflicts and approaches to national reconciliation, particularly as practiced under the most recent NLD government (2016–2020).