The military coup in Myanmar will be different this time around
The previous military coup in Myanmar took place in 1988 when the country was completely isolated from the outside world. There was no global trade, no internet, no social media and no smart phones. Most Burmese citizens had never traveled outside of the country.
But the circumstances are very different this time around. Myanmar's economy is relatively integrated with the world and many of the young people have studied or traveled abroad and have assimilated with new cultures and communities around the globe. Everyone has a smart phone and is connected on the internet and on major social networks. Sure, the military regime has tried to shut down a lot of the communications channels over the past few days but it is virtually impossible to fully shut it down. The genie is out of the bottle.
Although the military has taken control of the various government institutions at gunpoint, I'm skeptical that they will be able to hold on to power for too long. After a decade of economic progress, the people of Myanmar just don't want to go back to economic sanctions, global isolation, authoritarianism, military dictatorship and the cycle of poverty that comes with it.
There were no Startups or Venture Capital in Myanmar in 1988. Now there is a thriving Entrepreneurship and Startup community in the country. And this is what gives me the most hope for Myanmar.
Ever since we launched Draper Startup House in Yangon nearly two years ago, I've seen firsthand the potential for economic progress in Myanmar. Our community of young Startups and Entrepreneurs are hungry to build and create a new future for themselves and for their country. They are skilled, talented, global minded, and they will simply not accept living under an oppressive military rule which their parents lived through for five decades. This time around they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to organise and mobilise.
This is a golden opportunity for the Startup Community and the young people of Myanmar to rise up and get rid of the authoritarian military regime for good. Draper Startup House stands by you and supports you in your fight for freedom and democracy.