Burma Week
 This event is sponsored by the Peace Studies Program, the Department of Political Science and International Relations,the Hughes Field Politics Center, and the Philosophy and Religion Department. For more information, contact Mary Wahl or Cailin Barker. |
Burma Week, December 1-5, 2009, is an effort to raise awareness about the political situation in Burma, where the military dictatorship has been accused of committing human rights violations against its own people. See below for readings about Burma, links to websites, and events of the week.
Readings
Myanmar in 2007: A Turning Point in the "Roadmap?"
Ardeth Maung Thawnghmung and Maung Aung Myoe
Asian Survey Feb 2008, Vol. 48, No. 1: 13-19.
Myanmar in 2008: Hardship, Compounded
Donald M. Seekins
Asian Survey Feb 2009, Vol. 49, No. 1: 166-173.
The Saffron Revolution: The Role of Religion in Burma's Movement for Peace and Democracy
Rogers, Benedict
Totalitarian Movements & Political Religions, Jun2008, Vol. 9 Issue 1, p115-118
Beyond a Spiritual Calling: The Saffron Revolution.
Journal of International Affairs, Fall/Winter2007, Vol. 61 Issue 1, p235-242
Burma's 'saffron revolution' and the limits of international influence.
Selth, Andrew. Australian Journal of International Affairs, Sep2008, Vol. 62 Issue 3, p281-297,
"Burma: Soldiers as State-Builders,"
Mary P. Callahan
Chapter 17, IN: Coercion and Governance: The Declining Political Role of the Military in Asia, Multhia Alaqappa (ed.), 2001. pp. 413-429.
Websites
Chris Beyrer and Richard Sollom's op-ed in the Washington Post:
Burma's Rising Toll: The Junta Widens a War on Ethnic Groups
Events
Tuesday, December 1
Burma Background Panel
Buchner Hall, 4:30 p.m.
Panelists will discuss the history of Burma, called the Union of Myanmar by the ruling dictatorship, and the current situation there. Panelists include Doug Hollinger, founder of the Global Youth Service Team; Biak Lian Siang, a Burmese refugee and member of the Burmese resistance; and Michael Haack, campaigns coordinator for U.S. Campaign for Burma.
Wednesday, December 2
IT Activism in Burma
Buchner Hall, 7 p.m.
Aung Kyaw Ze Ya, a Burmese refugee, and Mark Belinski, of Digital Democracy, will discuss how technology has empowered the Burmese people and fueled the efforts to promoterights human and democracy
Thursday, December 3
Discussion and Screening of Burma VJKelley Lecture Hall, 6:30 p.m.
This documentary film is about a group of journalists who illegally filmed the events of the 2007 Saffron Revolution using small handheld cameras. The film will be presented by three monks from All Burma's Monk Alliance, an organization created to support Burmese monks seeking refuge in the U.S. A question and answer session will follow the film.
Friday, December 4
Prayer for Humanity
Haebler Memorial Chapel, 4 p.m.
Members of All Burma's Monk Alliance will chant with the Goucher community.
Saturday, December 5
An Afternoon of Burmese Song, Dance, and Food
Hyman Forum, Athenaeum, 2 p.m.
Enjoy Burmese food and performances by a troupe of Burmese singers and dancers. The performances are free, but food tickets must be purchased in advance for $4. Order food tickets by e-mailing Sarah Sullivan by December 2.