Liberty and Leadership

Video · Mar 23, 2022

Liberty and Leadership Program Scholar on U.S. ruling that violence against Rohingya people amounts to genocide

This week, the Biden administration determined that violence committed against the Rohingya people by Burma's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity. Liberty and Leadership Program Scholar Wai Wai Nu, Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Peace Network, reacts to the ruling and discusses next steps she would like to see from the U.S. and international community.

Mar 22, 2022

Washington Should Magnify Dissenting Voices in Afghanistan and Burma

Natalie Gonnella-Platts, Director of the Women's Initiative at the Bush Institute, and Chris Walsh, Deputy Director of the Human Freedom and Women's Initiatives at the Bush Institute, argue it's up to the United States and other democracies to help uplift the voices in Burma and Afghanistan.

Feb 4, 2022

By Leaving Burma, International Gas Giants Show Ethical Leadership

In a recent op-ed , Kenneth Hersh, President and CEO of the Bush Center, writes that TotalEnergies and Chevron’s announcement that they’re exiting Burma to protest human rights abuses against Burmese civilians is the private sector equivalent of economic sanctions, and it was the right thing to do.

Video · Apr 22, 2021

Two Minute Take: Liberty and Leadership Scholar Update - Katie Kardell

One of our Bush Institute Liberty and Leadership Scholars provides an update from the front lines of the military coup in Burma.

Apr 13, 2021

As history repeats itself

Thelma tun thein, Country Facilitator for the Bush Institute’s Liberty and Leadership Program, shares her recent experience in Burma during the military coup. Thelma was born in Burma and raised in Thailand. She is a proud naturalized Texan and American citizen.

Apr 9, 2021

Photos from the Frontlines: Scenes From Burma

Our Liberty and Leadership Scholars are currently living through the dangerous military coup in Burma. We asked them to share photos with us of what they are seeing. Take a look.

Apr 1, 2021

Burma’s Military has Stopped the March Toward Freedom. What Will We Do?

Freedom means a little bit more to me these days. As I go through my daily routine, I can’t help but think about my friends in Burma who are longing for the same freedoms we Americans have. I can only summarize it as a heartbreaking feeling.

Mar 16, 2021

The Coup in Burma is a Tragedy for Democracy— and for Economic Growth

With Burma’s fragile democracy hanging in the balance, the country also risks backsliding economically, impacting its future and the futures of its young people.

Mar 5, 2021

Statement by Mrs. Laura Bush on Burma

"President Bush and I are saddened and angered by the senseless violence and loss of life occurring to those peacefully protesting for freedom in Burma."

Feb 17, 2021

Policy 101: What's Happening in Burma

Michael Bailey, Program Manager for the Bush Institute's Leadership Programs, explains important facts about Burma and breaks down the recent military coup situation.

Feb 1, 2021

Two-Minute Take: Burmese Military Coup

Yesterday, Burmese military detained civilian government leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi, state and regional authorities, ethnic leaders, writers, and democracy activists. Jieun Pyun, the Bush Institute's Human Freedom Initiative Senior Program Manager, discusses the current situation and what this means for democracy in Burma.

Dec 21, 2018

Global Leadership: A Look Back at 2018

As we look back on 2018, we celebrate some of the top moments from the Bush Institute’s work in global leadership.