This book analyses what Myanmar's struggle for democracy has signified to Burmese activists and democratic leaders, and to their international allies. In doing so, it explores how understanding contested meanings of democracy helps make sense of the country's tortuous path since Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won historic elections in 2015. Using Burmese and English language sources, Narrating Democracy in Myanmar reveals how the country's ongoing struggles for democracy exist not only in opposition to Burmese military elites, but also within networks of local activists and democratic leaders, and international aid workers.

Tamas Wells is a Research Fellow in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on meanings of democracy, governance, freedom and accountability in Southeast Asia and the role of international aid agencies. Before entering academia, he worked in Myanmar for six years with various NGOs - including Save the Children - on governance, public health and civil society strengthening programs.

1/ Introduction
Other struggles for democracy
Narrating democracy
Book overview
2/ Elucidating the meaning of democracy through narrative
An 'ideal type' of democracy?
Revisiting the 'essential contestability' of democracy
Interpretivism and meanings of democracy
Using narrative analysis to elucidate meanings of democracy
Conclusion
3/ Toward the 'Ocean of Democracy'? The British colonial administration, the thakin and contests over meanings of democracy in late colonial Burma
British Colonial Administration and the 'Ocean of Democracy'
Burmese Independence Leaders and Counter Narratives
Conclusion
4/ Burma after independence: From moral to 'disciplined' democracy
Unity, moral democracy and the leadership of the AFPFL
Military socialism
The road to 'disciplined democracy' 1988-2011 under General Than Shwe
The opposition movement
Conclusion
5/ A liberal narrative
The challenge of division and personalised politics
The vision of democratic procedures and liberal values
The strategy of capacity building
Conclusion
6/ A benevolence narrative
The challenge of moral failure
The vision of sedana
The strategy of moral education and building of discipline
Conclusion
7/ An equality narrative
The challenge of hierarchy
The vision of equality
The strategy of cultural reform
Conclusion
8/ Exposing the political use of narratives
Narratives of democracy as instruments of power
The overt and covert nature of conceptual politics
Conclusion
9/ Beyond an 'ideal type': Implications for democracy promotion
The implications of other struggles for democracy
Conclusion
10/ Playing different games: Myanmar's future challenges
Prospects for a benevolent democracy beyond 2020
The future of democracy promotion and governance reform in Myanmar
Other struggles for democracy
References
Index