The International Community

This chapter concludes the book by offering a discussion of the role the international community has played, and could play, in both the conflict and conflict resolution. It summarizes the most important findings from the analysis throughout the book, and explores them in the context of the recommendations made by the Kofi Annan-led Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. These recommendation are widely recognized as the best proposals to date towards resolution of the underlying issues and long-term drivers of the conflict, although they were handed down just before the latest violence so do not deal with the latest injustices and human flight. This chapter explore the Commission’s recommendations, how these would affect underlying conflict drivers and grievances, and any further factors or actions required for any peaceful resolution. It discusses the need for a complete reframing of the issues away from race and indigeneity, pointing to the pathway for this, and highlighting the opportunity it poses for the wider Myanmar peace process. The chapter concludes with a grave warning of the moral hazard posed by international community action or advocacy, signaling the need for far more informed and strategic international responses.