This project aims to evaluate and develop a sustainable peace model for Myanmar. The project will have two main phases:

 

 

Phase: 1- Research – Comprehensive study and analysis of Track II diplomacy (analyzing cases of Aceh and Oslo Peace Processes) to identify key actors, mechanisms, and strategies of peace process applicable to the Myanmar context.

 

 

Phase: 2 – Training & Knowledge Sharing – Facilitating workshops and conduct training sessions with Smartsettle[1] to share research findings and train selected stakeholders in Myanmar, the broader Indo-Pacific region, and Canadian actors.

 

 

1. Objectives:

 

Primary Objective: Develop and propose a peace intervention model tailored to Myanmar’s sociopolitical context, inspired by Track II diplomacy through creating a sustainable informal dialogue space for Myanmar’s ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and the Myanmar military.

Specific Objectives:

* Analyze the Panglong I & II peace processes and reasons for their failure.

* Identify transferable elements from the Aceh and Oslo Peace Processes relevant to Myanmar.

* Facilitate knowledge exchange between policymakers, civil society, and communities in Myanmar and the Indo-Pacific region.

* Train Canadian and Indo pacific actors to enhance Canada’s role as an active peace partner in the region aligned with its status as an ASEAN observer.

 

 

2. Expected Outcomes:

 

Immediate: Enhanced understanding of the ethnic armed conflict and capacity among stakeholders in Myanmar, ASEAN, and the Indo-Pacific region for a sustainable peace process derived from Track II diplomacy.

 

Intermediate: Develop a model for a peace process, strengthened regional peace and security, refugee return, contributing to Canada’s position as a partner in promoting sustainable peace in the Indo-Pacific.

Contribution to the RCE Logic Model:

 

* Integrating the Track II diplomacy model will enhance the project’s impact by equipping stakeholders with practical tools for informal dialogue, fostering a more inclusive negotiation environment and laying the groundwork for sustainable peace.

* Immediate Outcome Contribution: The project will enhance stakeholders’ knowledge of Myanmar’s peace process by sharing research findings and lessons from the Aceh and Oslo experiences, Panglong I & II, applying the Track II diplomacy approach.

* Intermediate Outcome Contribution: The project supports a “durable peace, right to return of refugees, and security in the Indo-Pacific region” by providing local actors with useful tools.

 

 

Country, Regional, and Local Contexts:

 

Myanmar: Enduring a protracted ethnic armed conflict since 1948, now escalated into a full-blown civil war, exacerbated by decades long military rule and political instability. Peace efforts, such as Panglong I & II, have been undermined by ethnic divisions, distrust, and weak governance.

 

Indo-Pacific Region: The region faces geopolitical tensions and requires adaptable conflict resolution models. Especially, China’s investment in the region through BRI, has created economic and political instability in the region to a considerable degree.

 

EAOs and National Unity Government (NUG): Since, February 2021, military junta once again toppled civilian government and a bitter armed conflict ensued between EAOs and junta forces. A government in exile called NUG was formed by the former members of Suu Kyis government. Since then, Myanmar military has lost considerable territories in Rakhine, Kachine, and Shan states to EAOs that created the current ‘Mutually Hurting Stalemate’ condition. This prolonged conflict has become unsustainable for both EAOs and the Myanmar military, creating an environment ripe for peace intervention.

 

India & China: India’s recent invitation to Myanmar’s anti-junta forces and EAOs from Chin, Rakhine, and Kachin for dialogue in New Delhi in November 2024, along with the junta’s call for political dialogue to the rebels, signals a pivotal opportunity for a peace intervention. China has implemented its BRI plan in this part.

 

 

Institutional and Policy Issues:

 

At the regional or international level, no initiative for ending civil war has been undertaken so far.

 

In Myanmar, a lack of inclusive governance (since it is ruled by military junta) and representation has fueled ethnic tensions. At the regional level, ASEAN’s principle of non-interference has often limited proactive peacebuilding measures, making this project a means to introduce a peace process strategies for its members.

 

[1] https://www.smartsettle.com/

Relevant Actors, Causes, and Trends. Actors: Key actors include selected EAOs such as Arakan Army, Myanmar’s government, ASEAN, regional stakeholders, civil society organizations, and Canadian peacebuilding agencies. 


Causes and Trends: Historical grievances, ethnic identity politics, and competition over natural resources have perpetuated conflict in Myanmar. Especially, decades long political tension regarding the question of self-determination between ‘centre (Mandalay) and periphery (7 indigenous areas)’ has contributed to the crisis. More details can be found in Kofi Annan Commission report published in 2017. The Aceh model is the closest that had addressed similar issues, providing a relevant framework for a peace intervention.

https://www.visionofhumanity.org/five-countries-pushing-towards-peace/


Promoting Peace, Resilience, and Security (Objective 1): 


The project aligns with this objective by addressing Myanmar’s protracted ethnic armed conflict through a structured peace intervention approach inspired by the Aceh Peace Process and Track II diplomacy models, contributing to regional stability. The project’s core objective is to develop and share a peace intervention model tailored for Myanmar. Activities like knowledge-sharing training through workshops, Track II diplomacy integration, and policy brief development address root causes, promote sustainable peace, and build trust among stakeholders, in line with Canada’s regional stability goals.


Investing in and Connecting People (Objective 3): 


The project’s knowledge-sharing phase, featuring workshops, webinars, and Track II diplomacy training, invests in human capital (particularly for indigenous women empowerment in Myanmar’s ethnic areas) and fosters regional connections. Indigenous (Canada) to indigenous (Myanmar) knowledge sharing will enhance understanding of conflict resolution. Facilitating webinars and workshops enhances capacity building for peace practitioners, policymakers, and civil society, promoting knowledge exchange and building stronger institutional and interpersonal networks within the Indo-Pacific community.


Canada as an Active and Engaged Partner in the Indo-Pacific (Objective 5): 


The project showcases Canada’s active role in peacebuilding, leveraging Canadian expertise to facilitate dialogue in Myanmar’s peace process, and reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a credible partner in conflict resolution. By supporting Track II diplomacy engagements and involving Canadian peacebuilding experts, the project underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering peace and its influential role in the Indo-Pacific region.


CRRIC’s Role and Networks: CRRIC has an established network of scholars, policymakers, and peace practitioners across the Indo-Pacific region. CRRIC has previously organized webinars, workshops, and dialogues on topics related to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. 

This project will expand CRRIC’s existing network by; 


a. Engaging New Stakeholders: The project will bring in new actors from Myanmar, including selected EAOs, policymakers, and civil society organizations, as well as regional actors from ASEAN countries and India, where recent dialogue initiatives are underway. This will enhance CRRIC’s regional connections, facilitating future collaborations; 


b. Strengthening Existing Partnerships: The project builds on CRRIC’s track record of organizing transformative dialogues, as seen on its websitewww.crric.org). By leveraging its experience, CRRIC will strengthen its existing partnerships with peace practitioners and policymakers, both in Myanmar and the broader Indo-Pacific region, further consolidating its role as a leading Canadian organization in peacebuilding; 


c. Fostering Canadian-Indo-Pacific Collaboration: The project provides opportunities for Canadian experts to collaborate with Indo-Pacific counterparts, enriching the dialogue and creating a foundation for long-term partnerships. 


It will also establish CRRIC as a hub for Canadian-Indo-Pacific peacebuilding initiatives, making it a valuable partner for future projects aligned with the IPS. Through this project, CRRIC will not only contribute to peace and stability in Myanmar but also enhance Canada’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific, thus fulfilling key objectives of the IPS.