The emergence of the non-aligned foreign policy of Burma from the end of the second world war to Bandung conference

Abstract

Burma has been practicing non-aligned foreign policy since its independence. Most of the literature studied on Burma's foreign policy argued that Burma's non-aligned foreign policy was initiated around 1950. As Burma became a colony under the British Empire from 1886 to 1948, the experience of colonialism might also play an essential role in foreign relations in Burma. After independence, Burma also faced numerous challenges, such as insurgency problems. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to examine the emergence of the ideological foundation of the non-aligned foreign policy of Burma after the Second World War. Moreover, this study will also find out the internal and external factors shaping this policy. To fulfil its primary objective, this paper will also try to analyze how the situations after the Second World War brought internal and external challenges for Burma and how these impacted the emergence of the ideological foundation of the non-aligned foreign policy of Burma after the Second World War. This study applied qualitative research method and documentary research methodology to find out the history factors, external and internal influences of Burmese foreign policy. The influence of the external factors of the world, such as the changing of the world order after the Second World War and internal challenges, factors, and conflicts happening within the countries, might force Burma to look for ways for the survival of the country and this might later lead to the involvement of Burma in the Non-Aligned Movement and the establishment of the Non-Aligned Foreign Policy of Burma.