National Security Online Resource Center

We are moving out of Africa for December and moving into Asia for now. Many human rights activists have heard of peace and democracy activist and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest in Myanmar. Than Shwe is the dictator who currently oversees her incarceration.

Like most dictators, Shwe entered politics through the army after enlisting at an early age. After rising through the ranks as his career progressed, he ultimately became leader of the junta controlling Myanmar in 1992 after his predecessor died, and has held this position ever since.

According to numerous sources, such as this one, Burmese citizens enjoy few if any civil liberties under Shwe’s regime, which has ruled the country since 1962. While protesters and other dissidents have been arrested and jailed, the most drastic measures Shwe has taken have been subjecting ethnic minorities to executions and forced labor. In addition, all media is censored to only favor the incumbent regime.

U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) took a trip to Burma this year and won release of an American who attempted to contact Kyi while she was under house arrest.

Because the junta had been in power for 30 years before Shwe assumed control, Myanmar may still remain a totalitarian state after Shwe dies or loses power.