THE ROLE OF DEMOCRACY IN MANAGING DEFENSE POLICY THE DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION AND ITS IMPACTS ON DEFENSE POLICY IN MYANMAR (1990-2013)

Abstract

Democracy is a form of governance which arise the equality between the government and the citizens of the state. Freedom to give opinion, equality between all social classes, Problem solving through negotiation are only few of main characteristics of Democracy. If a state takes Democracy as their ideology, all aspects which important for the development of the state will be affected directly by the basic principles of Democracy. Myanmar or known as Burma is one of the Southeast Asian Countries who decided to change the form of governance from Military regime or popularly known as "Military Junta" into Democracy. It is because of there are rebellions acts from the citizens and Pro-Democracy activist in Myanmar who are angry with the Constitution made by Military Regime authoritatively. During the Democratic transition, there were many acts appeared from both side which are Military Regime who did not want to give up their position and Pro-Democracy citizens. During the transition process, it would give impact not only for the leaders from Military regime who felt threatened by it, but also all policies which takes main role to protect and strengthen Myanmar as sovereign state. Defense policy directly affected by the Democratic transition because National interest of the state has changed and How Myanmar try to build bilateral with other states.