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The Struggle for International Recognition: Myanmar after the
2021 Coup
Joanne Lin and Moe Thuzar*
• The military coup in Myanmar on 1 February 2021 created huge diplomatic
repercussions, throwing into uncertainty the country’s international position and
representation.
• The coup’s unconstitutional basis and the resistance to military rule in Myanmar also
presented challenges for international and regional bodies to engage with stakeholders
in Myanmar.
• The United Nations and ASEAN have approached these challenges on the basis of
existing procedures and guidelines. Although the UN’s existing guidelines seem to
favour democratic legitimacy, it prefers not to be perceived as taking sides in
Myanmar’s representation.
• ASEAN, lacking similar guidelines regarding credentials and representation, has
created its own precedents regarding the level of representation at key political
meetings. Neither the UN nor ASEAN have accorded outright recognition to the State
Administration Council (SAC) or the parallel National Unity Government (NUG),
although individual member states have exercised unilateral initiatives to engage in
dialogue with the NUG. Additionally, some members and dialogue partners of ASEAN
have turned to existing treaty practices that allow arrangements for non-recognition
disclaimers in concluding regional treaties and agreements involving Myanmar.
• Differing views and interests among member states at either UN or ASEAN tables also
add to the continued ambiguity on engaging Myanmar. This de facto de jure divide in
and on Myanmar seems likely to continue in 2023, with the SAC’s election plans likely
to exacerbate tensions
