Myanmar's Power Elite: Min Aung Hlaing, Military Junta Control, and International Relations

 

Bednyakov, Pavel. March 4, 2025. From Associated Press. Retrieved April 17, 2025 (https://apnews.com/article/min-aung-hlaing-myanmar-junta-russia-putin-d1700f85a360632bcfb0b0f0c3edff55).

This image depicts two currently very powerful people: Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia is seated next to Min Aung Hlaing, the army general who has, through military rule, taken control over the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar. Both Putin and Hlaing seem to wear happy, almost prideful expressions; Hlaing smiles. Hlaing is holding a Buddhist book from 1838 which details the relations between the king of Myanmar and Russia centuries ago. Here, the book is being presented to Putin as the two prepare to engage in a talk regarding cooperation between the two respective nations in which they are in charge. The book holds significance in that it showcases the history that the two nations have as they prepare to continue to work together. This event takes place in Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia. The two leaders sit on golden chairs, Hlaing on the left and Putin on the right, with the Russian and Burmese flags behind them. The composition of the image reveals the diplomatic nature of their relationship while also establishing the friendly dynamic between the nations and their leaders. 

The power elite, according to Mills, is "composed of men whose positions enable them to transcend the ordinary environments of ordinary men and women; they are in positions to make decisions having major consequences" (4). These people are the heads of huge corporations and entities, they run states and have control over the military, they hold positions of power that allow them to direct elements of life such social structure among their other areas of influence. By these people having power or being what we call powerful, Mill writes that the power elite have the ability to "realize their will, even if others resist it" (9). The influence the power elite have allow them to have power over entire nations. The power elite work under major institutions such as the economic, political, and military spheres. The power elite, however, do not operate alone; they have people who serve as advisors and such. There are levels to the power elite with presidents, CEOs, and military leaders usually at the very top, followed by other politicians, upper management, and army generals. Additionally, the power elite work together. They are made stronger when they use their power to collaborate in order to achieve bigger goals they may set out to accomplish. These higher circles have great influence and decide consequential decisions, however, this is not to say that the power elite are always the history-makers and the only people who shape major historical events. The power elite merely describes and reveals who is involved in the decision making process of what can be seen as major decisions.

While Western nations have imposed sanctions on Myanmar after the military junta seized control over the recently democratically (for one of the first time's in the country's history) elected government country in a coup back in 2021, Russia has continued to back Myanmar's military junta, sending armed weapons among other military equipment and supports. When Mills talks about the power elite, he mentions their influence on decision making. Hlaing and Putin have both made extremely influential decisions over the past few years. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Hlaing's military coup have both had consequences spreading far and wide. In the grand scheme of world news, Myanmar does not have much influence; however, the effect of the military junta is not unrecognized by Burmese citizens as well as ethnic minority groups living in the country. The country has been in a civil war far before the military junta seized power. However, the military occupation has only exacerbated matters. The armed resistance forces comprised of mostly members of ethnic minority groups have been big proponents of the fight towards democracy in Myanmar. Burmans and minorities alike have been working towards democracy for decades after British colonial rule ended back in 1948. With leaders such as Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest and many other leaders and citizens jailed for resistance, the military junta has made big decisions in terms of what happens in the country. The junta aims to maintain control over the country and play an active, powerful role in Burmese political structure/happenings. Mills idea of the power elite and their abilities to make the influential decisions can be applied to the situation in Myanmar. Putin and Hlaing's meeting showcases the idea of two power elites working together to further their political agendas. By working with others, for Hlaing and Myanmar specifically, even more influential decisions can be made. 

References

    Associated Press. 2025. "The Head of Myanmar's Military Government Visits Russia For Cooperation Talks with Putin." Associated Press, March 5. Retrieved April 17, 2025 (https://apnews.com/article/min-aung-hlaing-myanmar-junta-russia-putin-d1700f85a360632bcfb0b0f0c3edff55).

    Mills, C. Wright. [1956] 2002. The Power Elite. Oxford: Oxford University Press.