Burma’s Revolution From Below
Elites still think they’re running the show. But farmers are increasingly taking matters into their own hands.
BY APRIL 20, 2015
In the streets, paths, and paddy fields of hundreds of Burmese towns and villages, thousands of protesters are mobilizing, in creative and often radical ways, for everything from constitutional change, to educational liberalization, to improved labor standards, to fair energy prices. But most significant — in terms of numbers, commitment, and challenge to the status quo — are the numerous farmers’ protests against the land grabs that went on with impunity during the military era and whichare continuing todayeven amidst Burma’s ostensible transition to democracy.