The Changing Face of Myanmar

On November 8, 2015, Myanmar held its first free elections in over 20 years. This election marked a momentous shift in this nation’s history and the beginning of a new chapter. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi (colloquially known as “the lady”), won the election in a landslide victory to the dismay of the ruling Military regime. Excitement was palpable. Hopes were high. Change was coming. From Rohinga human rights activists to international reggae stars, I spoke to countless citizens about their hopes, dreams, and fears during this regime shift. Over the past few years ethnic cleansing has risen and Aung San Suu Kyi has fallen flat, often understating the ethnic and religious conflict that’s presently occurring in her nation. In 2021 and 2026, I will return to Myanmar and re-interview the same people to see how their lives have changed and how their predictions have held up over time.