Myanmar's Enemy Within by Francis Wade Summary

Myanmar's Enemy Within examines how political and military forces manipulated Buddhist identity and historical narratives to fuel anti-Muslim violence, particularly against the Rohingya minority. The book traces the military’s exploitation of nationalism since the 1962 coup, colonial-era divisions, and the transition to partial democracy under Aung San Suu Kyi, which failed to curb systemic persecution.

This book is essential for students of political science, journalists, and readers interested in Southeast Asian conflicts, ethnic nationalism, or human rights. It offers critical insights into state-sponsored discrimination and the complexities of Myanmar’s democratic transition.

Francis Wade is a journalist specializing in Myanmar and Southeast Asia, with over a decade of reporting for outlets like TIME, The Guardian, and New York Review of Books. His work focuses on military rule, ethnic violence, and political transitions in the region.

Wade argues the Rohingya’s statelessness stems from decades of military-engineered Buddhist nationalism, which reframed them as foreign “kalar” (a derogatory term for South Asians). Post-2011 reforms allowed extremist groups and civilians to weaponize these narratives, leading to mass violence and displacement in 2012 and 2017.

The book highlights how colonial policies rigidified ethnic categories, privileging Burman Buddhists while marginalizing minorities like the Rohingya. These divisions were later exploited by Myanmar’s military to consolidate power and justify exclusionary nationalism.

Wade notes Suu Kyi’s administration ignored or downplayed anti-Rohingya violence, fearing backlash from Buddhist nationalists. Her failure to challenge military dominance and protect minorities undermined Myanmar’s democratic transition.

• “So violently had notions of identity... been manipulated... that [they] formed a core part of the search for the new Myanmar”.
• “Fear of reversal of status” drove Buddhist mobs to attack former Rohingya neighbors.

Yes, for its rigorous analysis of how statecraft and ideology perpetuate violence. While some critics note uneven factual depth, Wade’s firsthand reporting provides a nuanced perspective on a complex crisis.

Unlike historical accounts, Wade focuses on the militarized construction of identity. It complements works like Azeem Ibrahim’s The Rohingyas by detailing how grassroots complicity enabled state-led persecution.

Wade suggests addressing militarized nationalism and reforming citizenship laws to include Rohingya. However, he critiques international actors for prioritizing democratization over human rights, exacerbating divisions.

Despite Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, the book remains vital for understanding entrenched sectarianism. Its analysis of cyclical violence and failed governance informs current discussions on accountability and aid.

Some scholars argue Wade overemphasizes elite manipulation, underplaying grassroots Buddhist agency in violence. Others note gaps in exploring Rohingya perspectives or post-2017 developments.