As noted at the outset, the situation in Myanmar right now is one
of overwhelming social, political, and economic change. The changes
are clearly driving excitement, as well as anxiety and fear. Some of the
manifestations are constructive, as people seek to entrench democracy
and exercise new freedoms, but others are harmful, as conflict and
contestation break out concerning who will benefit from the changes
and who will be left behind. This is a moment that requires investment
in the creation of a better future for Myanmar. However, attempts
to cling to or own aspects of the reality in Myanmar, including
national identity, are driving some of the current intergroup conflict.
By drawing attention to the ways in which dramatic change heightens anxiety, competition, and clinging—and thus suffering—competing
groups in Myanmar might be able to move forward constructively and
collaboratively.