The author thanks Mahn Nay Myo and those Burmese who shared their views with the research team at great personal risk (all names have been changed). Without their assistance and vast knowledge, this research project would not have been possible.I would also like to acknowledge the important contributions made by my colleagues at the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network and EarthRights International as well as the constructive feedback I received from the conference participants, the editors, and the anonymous reviewer