The Burma Road to Capitalism: Economic Growth versus Democracy

In light of recent debates and studies on what political scientists call developmental authoritarianism and what some economists consider the East Asian model of economic growth, this book analyzes and evaluates Burma’s economic performance under military management. It considers the relationship between democracy and economic growth, especially the thesis advanced by Asian authoritarian leaders that sociopolitical stability and discipline must be established as a prerequisite to economic development. Based upon empirical and historical facts, the book shows that the present military regime’s denial of democracy to the people and its ostentatious economic reforms have not promoted real economic growth and human development in Burma.

That regime, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), consists of poorly educated power-driven rulers. The book underscores that Burma’s lack of economic development, despite its rich natural resources, lies in the regime’s misuse of both human capital and those natural resources. They have depressed the country’s social capability for past, present, and future economic development.