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Pathways to Peace in Myanmar: A YCCS-Peace Lab project

Welcome to the Pathways to Peace in Myanmar Project.

Our project maps the potential for domestic, regional and international pathways towards peace for the escalating conflict in Myanmar.

We are a small and focused research team of students led by a senior academic researcher, Dr Claire Smith (Senior Lecturer in Politics and IR). Our team includes advanced Politics and IR undergraduates, MA in Peace and Conflict Studies and MA in Social Research postgraduates, and a PhD researcher, from both the UK and Southeast Asia.  

Working closely together, we are mapping out the potential for peace from multiple perspectives. We aim to inform and engage with UK based policymakers and stakeholders by producing policy-focused and accessible research outputs, including background papers, podcasts and summary posters. All our outputs are open- access and available below. 

Update 
Since the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar on 28 March, 2025, the need to understand the political, governance and conflict dynamics in this deeply insecure country are even more urgent as humanitarian aid struggles to reach those in most need. We will continue to gather data and evidence to inform policymakers and practitioners as they attempt to assist Myanmar.

Contact us

For further information, please contact the project lead:

Dr Claire Smith

Project lead

Myanmar has been deadlocked in cycles of internal conflict since the February 2021 coup overthrew the nascent democracy. Most external actors, including the UK government, are struggling to find entry points to mitigate harm against civilians and prepare Myanmar for future peace talks. Meanwhile, powerful regional actors, and above all China and Russia, are playing a critical role, whether in brokering local ceasefires, or providing arms, but these do not take Myanmar towards a future democratic state.

Our project focuses on mapping the current roles of the most important regional, international and domestic actors supporting conflict and peace. We map the main approaches towards peace, and the potential benefits and costs of each to Myanmar. We point towards what the UK could do differently in this turbulent time of geo-political reordering, to be more effective in its peacemaking efforts in the region. While committed to ASEAN's Five Point Consensus, the UK must rethink its approach if it seeks to gain traction for a negotiated and democratic peace settlement for Myanmar.

Dr Claire Smith, Project lead

Policy Focused Research Outputs

Our project seeks to develop new ideas for finding pathways to peace in Myanmar. We do so via two main project activities. First, we have conducted a pilot research study. Second, we are engaging with policy makers in knowledge exchange activities, including seminars, workshops, presentations, and a recent podcast.

Background research paper

This background research paper outlines and summarises the main dynamics of the conflict, the key armed and civilian actors, and the most relevant regional and international actors, along with their different approaches to peace. It is aimed at policy makers, academics, students and practitioners. A detailed bibliography provides links to further resources. (Please note: Research data accurate as of December 2024).

Myanmar Poster

This one-page poster summarises the main approaches to peace for Myanmar, contrasting domestic and international approaches. It also contains a summary of the main regional political dynamics within and surrounding Myanmar in relation to the conflict. (Please note: Research data accurate as of December 2024).

Podcast

In a recent episode of the "People, Power, Politics" podcast, host Dr Petra Alderman interviews Project Lead, Dr Claire Smith, on the prospects for peace and democracy in Myanmar. The "People, Power, Politics" podcast brings the latest insights into the factors shaping - and re-shaping - our political world. It is produced by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) at the University of Birmingham, and hosted by the New Books Network. (Episode released 16 April 2025).
water with a reflection of Kakku's pagodas - Myanmar

Featured presentations

The project team has also engaged in several presentations to policymakers, students, academics and practitioners:

The presentations aimed to raise awareness on the current challenges to peace in Myanmar, and possible routes forwards. Based on our analysis, the team has raised two important questions with UK based policymakers: what is the scope for a new peace plan, and what can the UK’s role be in this future peace agenda?

Student Involvement

With funding from the YCCS and the York Peace Lab, the project has provided a supportive research and training space for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students to work directly in policy-relevant research. Each of the students involved has developed their personal and professional research and policy engagement skills. Read here more about what the students gained from the experience. 

Find out more about our student involvement

students and Dr Claire Smith holding a poster about Myanmar

Contact us

For further information, please contact the project lead:

Dr Claire Smith

Project lead