Myanmar Struggles Economically, Socially Four Years After Coup

Four years after the military coup in Myanmar, the country remains engulfed in a brutal civil war, with nearly half the population living below the poverty line and essential services in disarray. The military has lost control over significant regions, facing opposition from various armed groups, particularly after its humiliating defeat in Lashio. Economic conditions are dire, with a nine percent contraction in GDP since 2020 and inflation soaring to 25.4 percent in 2024, pushing many households into poverty. The illicit economy has thrived, with Myanmar becoming the world's leading producer of opium and heroin, amidst a backdrop of rampant corruption and environmental degradation. As the conflict continues, over 3.5 million people have been displaced, and the prospects for peace remain bleak, prompting calls for urgent international engagement to avert total collapse. Reports indicate that without political resolution, the situation is expected to worsen in the coming year, testing the resilience of the Myanmar population to its limits.