Abstract

• Since the new government came to power on March 30, 2011, U Thein Sein led-government’s peace process has become a pivotal element of political reform in the country’s new political era. Like USDP-led government, NLD-led government has also prioritized national reconciliation and peace process as a part of the road map for democratic federal union. Although the USDP-led government and the NLD-led government have been pushing for the peaceful resolution of the internal armed conflicts, domestic armed conflict remains difficult issues in Myanmar’s peace process. The persistent domestic armed conflict between the EAOs and Tatmadaw is also posing a prominent challenge to the government’s credibility. The Tatmadaw has remained the most politically influential actor in Myanmar politics with a significant share of seats in parliament. As a result of the continuation of fighting in internal armed conflict, the Tatmadaw plays a decisive role in the peace process. Therefore, in order to achieve lasting and sustainable peace, there are important not only government’s peacemaking efforts but also the Tatmadaw’s cooperation necessary require. Upon both the USDP-led government and the NLD-led government situation, the research question focuses on how the governments attempt to succeed peace process and how the Tatmadaw influence Myanmar politics and its effects on peace process.