The confrontation of modernist and conservative elite groups in the ruling elite of an independent Burma/Myanmar

Abstract

Due to the existence of two factions in the Myanmar elite in the country during the colonial and post-colonial periods of Myanmar history a rivalry between modernist and conservative groups in the national elite emerged leading to serious external and internal political conflicts. Local modernists, associated with the British colonial tradition, and conservative forces, appealing to the pre-colonial period in the history of Myanmar, alternating in power, have offered their solutions to the pressing problems facing the country. However, practice has shown that the predominance in the political life of Myanmar one of a wing of the ruling elite is able to effectively stop many of the important tactical problems facing the society. This in the strategic perspective sets the basis for serious political instability affecting the interests of the national elite as a whole. The convergence of modernist and conservative wings of the Myanmar elite after the historic elections in 2015 gradually eliminates the fundamental defect of the local political system and opens up new prospects for development. Refs 38.