Myanmar Spring Chronicle – April 27 Scenes
MoeMaKa, April 28, 2024
Interests and Honesty in the Political and Military Fields
There is a well-known saying about international relations and political events: there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests. This saying often explains the situation where countries with different political ideologies, such as international relations, communism, dictatorship, and tyranny, align together, revealing the underlying interests. For example, during the Cold War, when relations between the Soviet Union and China deteriorated, China established a relationship with the United States, despite their previous antagonism, to balance competition with the Soviet Union. This exemplifies a foreign policy driven by interests rather than policy and basic values.
In Myanmar’s political history, there are many instances where organizations and parties previously considered enemies have become allies when they share a common enemy and objective.
The recent armed clashes in Myawaddy Township and related events are difficult to understand for the general public. Situations such as the control of Myawaddy, the battles, and behind-the-scenes negotiations can only be understood through the lens of permanent interests. The situation cannot be simplified into labels like “pro-democracy” versus “authoritarian” or “good guy” versus “bad guy.” It involves strategically choosing which groups to cooperate with and support, making decisions based on interests, and aligning these with broader goals.
The public often receives misleading statements that logically and convincingly explain events without revealing the true interests, damages, and losses considered in decision-making.
The term “interest” itself is neutral and not inherently negative. However, it often carries connotations of negativity, dishonesty, and concealment when associated with the interests of leaders, parties, groups, or individual ethnicities.
As political and armed organizations, it is essential to calculate interests before making decisions or taking actions. Blind decisions are risky. However, calculated interests should align with the majority’s benefit. Honesty and integrity are needed to inform the public about the circumstances leading to these interests.
It is important that one group does not solely benefit while exploiting others. If organizational interests are interconnected, there should be transparency. Publicly declaring a position contrary to actual interests indicates dishonesty.
In politics, it is crucial not to have interests that conflict with basic policies to honestly express those interests. In politics and war, publicly declared positions without revealing true interests, while claiming deception, are problematic. If the interests of individuals, groups, nations, or organizations are prioritized, it is not conducive to a positive future.
Having interests is not wrong, but prioritizing individual or group interests exclusively is problematic.