Unity and Division: Interethnic Conflict and Alliance-Building
摘要
Operation 1027, the military climax of Myanmar’s revolutionary cycle, marked both the collapse of state authority and the onset of a new, highly competitive phase of governance. This chapter examines the dual forces of unity and discord shaping this transformation. It demonstrates that the success of Operation 1027 was inseparable from the February 2021 coup and the rise of the Spring Revolution forces, whose five allied groups contributed troops, expertise, and buffer zones—underscoring the critical role of inter-group cooperation. However, persistent mistrust between ethnic armed organizations and Bamar-majority forces, reinforced by the military’s divide-and-rule strategies, continues to hinder broader unity. The transition from military success to a stable political order remains complex, as victory has merely intensified competition among non-state actors for political dominance. Through cases of alliance-building and post-operation tensions, this chapter highlights both the potential and the constraints of emerging cooperation. It concludes with cautious optimism, emphasizing a younger generation of leaders advocating inclusive federalism and civic solidarity. If sustained by continued dialogue and institutional capacity-building, this generational shift could transform Operation 1027 from a military breakthrough into the foundation of a more democratic political order.