Return of the Junta

Since its February 2021 coup, Myanmar's military has waged brutal and unrelenting warfare on its own people in a desperate attempt to cow them into accepting the country's return to military rule. Journalist Oliver Slow, who spent years living in and reporting on the country, has produced a gem of a book that describes and explains not only the background to the coup itself but how this hated institution's mindset and approach developed over time. He covers not only the headline stories of atrocities and violence but also critically important issues such as the military's approach to education and identity politics. Return of the Junta is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the critical struggle now underway for Myanmar's future. * Scot Marciel, former US Ambassador to Myanmar *
After decades of repression, a generation was at last growing up in the hope that their country’s pariah status was a thing of the past. Then, in a land where history has a habit of repeating itself, Myanmar’s joyless generals stole their dreams… again. Oliver Slow’s narrative draws you in as he dives into the twisted psyche of the Tatmadaw, documenting the ruthless excesses and xenophobia of successive military juntas — culminating in the February 2021 coup. The generals had no idea how much they were hated or how resistance would grow. While this book laments how the outside world has failed the people of Myanmar, it also explores the reasons why the coup itself was a failure. * Jonathan Miller, Journalist *
An urgent and necessary book - Oliver Slow’s clear-eyed chronicle of how Myanmar reached this point of crisis is bolstered by illuminating first-hand accounts of pivotal events over the past decade, going beyond read-and-despair reportage to formulate a much-needed call to action. * Emma Larkin, author of Finding George Orwell in Burma *
Informed by almost a decade of reporting from Myanmar, Slow explains the toxic mix of paranoia, entitlement and sadism that makes up Myanmar's ruling military. Accessible but unsparing in its retelling of the country's tragic modern history, Return of the Junta also finds hope in the strength of its people. * Ben Dunant, Editor-in-Chief of Frontier Myanmar *
Return of the Junta is much more than a record of the military’s disastrous impact on Myanmar and its people. Oliver Slow lived in Myanmar at a tumultuous time of both great hope and hair-raising events of unspeakable violence. He captures not only the horrific crimes of the ruthless military but also the realities of daily life and the aspirations of Myanmar’s people. This book is a distinguished accomplishment that shows Slow’s solid knowledge of his subject as well as his compassion and integrity. It should be read by all who want to understand how Myanmar’s 2021 coup d’état came about and why popular resistance has never been stronger. * Laetitia van den Assum, a former member of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State (Kofi Annan Commission) *
Incisive and penetrative reporting. Return of the Junta makes sense of a seemingly senseless crime: Myanmar's 2021 coup, a disaster for the country and even the military itself. * Patrick Winn, South East Asia correspondent for The World from PRX and author of Hello, Shadowlands *
The publication of Oliver Slow’s Return of the Junta could not be more timely. Since the military coup of 2021, Myanmar has been engulfed by an intensifying conflict pitting much of the population against the small military caste that has ruled for most of its history as a modern nation-state. In deftly sketched prose, Slow describes how the military has woven itself into the very fabric of Myanmar’s social and political life, and details the painful and ongoing efforts of political activists and ordinary people to cast it aside. Rich with on-the-ground anecdotes and historical analysis, it presents a vital examination of the country’s tortured journey from independence to the troubled present. Anyone interested in what’s happening in Myanmar today should read this book. * Sebastian Strangio, author of In the Dragon's Shadow *
Carefully researched and well-told, this book illuminates Myanmar’s complex history leading up to its recent coup. Oliver Slow travels across Myanmar to shed light on the diversity and tenacity of its people. * Celia Hatton, Asia Pacific Editor, BBC *
[A]n accessible, informed read on the 2021 coup d’état, and ultimately on this very complex country. * Index on Censorship *