Myanmar: The Making of an Intelligence State
Andrew Selth, author
Date of publication:
2026
Publisher:
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Number of pages:
609
Code:
BM646
Soft Cover
ISBN: 9789815306590
About the publication
Without extensive intelligence systems, neither Myanmar’s kings nor the later British colonial administration could have maintained their dominance over the country’s diverse and fractious society. The collection of political and strategic intelligence was critical to their survival. After Myanmar regained its independence in 1948, a powerful military intelligence organization became key to the durability of the central government, including the junta created after the 2021 coup. Yet, intelligence has long been the “missing dimension” of Myanmar’s published history. To understand the internal dynamics and external relations of this deeply troubled country it needs to be paid much more attention. This study, by an Old Myanmar Hand and former intelligence analyst, draws on a wide range of sources to provide a comprehensive picture of the structure, operations and impact of Myanmar’s intelligence apparatus, from the nineteenth century to the present day. In doing so, it makes a unique contribution both to the field of intelligence studies and to our understanding of modern Myanmar.
Contents
-
Myanmar: The Making of an Intelligence State
[Whole Publication, ISBN: 9789815306606], by Andrew Selth, author -
Preliminary Pages
-
1. Introduction
-
2. Intelligence Under Burma’s Kings
-
3. Political Intelligence in British Burma
-
4. Military Intelligence in British Burma
-
5. Intelligence Before the 1962 Coup
-
6. Intelligence Under General Ne Win
-
7. Intelligence Under the SLORC and SPDC: Part 1
-
8. Intelligence Under the SLORC and SPDC: Part 2
-
9. The Fall of General Khin Nyunt
-
10. Power Shifts and Structural Changes
-
11. Intelligence in a “Disciplined Democracy”
-
12. Intelligence Since the 2021 Coup
-
13. Intelligence and the Opposition Movement
-
14. Counterintelligence Challenges
-
15. Looking Beyond Myanmar
-
16. Intelligence Failures
-
17. Questions of Accountability
-
18. Conclusion
-
Appendices
-
Select Bibliography
-
The Author
-
Index
