135 - Is China the Kingmaker in Myanmar’s Civil War?

The Red Line podcast examines the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, exploring why the 2021 military coup led to a complex, multi-sided conflict involving ethnic armed groups and resistance forces. The discussion highlights the military's brutal tactics, including terrorizing the civilian population, and the opposition's shift to guerrilla warfare. Zachary Abuza, professor at the National War College, details how the military coup occurred because the parliament was challenging the military's power. The podcast further investigates China's complex role, balancing support for the junta with maintaining stability and protecting its economic interests, including the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. The podcast concludes that there is no clear end in sight, and the international community is simply looking away.