Burma

Article · Jul 8, 2026

Struggle for Freedom: Photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike endures harsh prison sentence from Burma’s military junta

Photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike has experienced the worst of the notoriously difficult conditions in Burma’s prisons, including torture and solitary confinement.

Mar 23, 2026

They’re not in the headlines anymore, but these are some global crises we can’t forget

Apr 3, 2025

Leading with compassion: Burma needs our support

Aug 9, 2023

The Struggle for Freedom: Lin Htet Naing (“James”) seeks to build the foundation for a post-military Burma

Burmese democracy leader Lin Htet Naing, who goes by the name James, emerged from several months of hiding in June 2022, stepping out with one of his two small sons in Rangoon, Burma’s former capital and commercial center. A short while later, James’s wife, Phyoe Phyoe Aung, also a prominent democracy leader, received a phone call telling her James had been arrested.

Apr 11, 2023

Crises shouldn’t cost women their dignity

Feb 1, 2023

Two years since the military coup in Burma

It's imperative that the United States government and our democratic allies continue to condemn Burma’s military regime and demand power is returned to the rightfully elected civilian government.

Jan 19, 2023

State Department's new political prisoners initiative is good for democracy

“Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.” – Elie Wiesel

Video · Aug 25, 2022

Two Minute Take: Liberty and Leadership Scholar Update - Michael Bailey

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

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.

Apr 27, 2021

Q&A with Dr. Nay Lin Tun

Bush Institute Liberty and Leadership Scholar Dr. Nay Lin Tun tells us what it's like being a medical professional in Burma right now.

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 25, 2021

Thousands of miles away, our voices unite for the people of Burma

While the Dallas Burmese community may be thousands of miles away from Burma, they are using their collective voice to unite and encourage international action and support.

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.

Report · Sep 30, 2020

Doorway to Democracy: Burma's 2020 Election

In-depth look at Burma's election and recommendations for U.S. policymakers.