Mizzima News

Delhi, India (Mizzima) – Confronting Democratic Modernity in Military-ruled Burma by Joseph Ball has been released today by Mizzima Media.

Subtitled A Realist Essay with Historical Illustrations, the work explores the origins of Burma’s Tatmadaw, military, and the rationale behind the armed forces’ continued stranglehold on the country’s political affairs. The experiences of regional countries in their transitions from authoritarian governance to more democratic systems are also explored.

The book additionally sheds critical light on several relationships contributing toward Burma’s continued political stagnation, including the persistence of People Power as a dominant transformative discourse, the importance of military socialization and obstacles poised by the country’s vast diversity in peoples and priorities. 

The work concludes with an exploration of Burma’s 2010 election and the anticipated ramifications that could ensue from a transformed political power matrix, including the significance of a reserved bloc of seats in parliament for the Tatmadaw.

Copies of the book may be purchased for $10 USD plus postage and packing, by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Joseph Ball is the pseudonym of an academic who holds an advanced degree in Conflict Resolution, with a focus on Burma, and who has extensive experience in Burmese affairs.