Executive Summary
In recent years, Myanmar has undergone a significant political transformation. In 2011, after nearly sixty years of iron-fisted rule, the governing military junta transferred power to a quasi-civilian government.The new government has undertaken various political and economic reforms and has become a signatory to and ratified several international treaties. In response, the United States, the European Union and others have opened up relations with the country and eased sanctions. Despite these advances, however, Myanmar has several obstacles to overcome before it can be considered a pluralistic, functioning democracy. The analysis here focuses on two issues of concern: discrimination against minority ethnic and religious groups, particularly Muslims, and discrimination against women, and how the two have intertwined in dangerous new state policy.