This chapter seeks to assess the activities and strategies of “Western” governments (which in this case
is limited to the United States, the European Union and Japan); multilateral institutions; international
development organizations; and the myriad voluntary organizations ranging from major foundations to
small solidarity groups, that have been actively seeking change in Burma.189 It is difficult, if not impossible, to show that a particular advocacy strategy resulted in any change in governmental policy,
or that a particular policy change resulted in changes of the kind wished for in Burma. However, it is
important that as far as possible, strategies and policies are assessed and reassessed as to their impact
so that lessons can be learnt for the future. Few of the organizations and individuals that are the subject
of this report have undertaken their own impact assessment or employed independent assessors.