Myanmar's energy transition
a political economy analysis
The role of international financial institutions ​
To what extent are international financial institutions shaping Myanmar's energy transition? The country has energy infrastructure needs that far surpass the state's material and institutional capacities. Consequently, it has to turn to external actors, raising questions about who is setting the terms of its energy transition. Drawing on literature on sociotechnical transitions, their global and local politics, and their articulation in developing countries, I adopt a political economy framework to study the role of international financial institutions in Myanmar's transition. I analyze the material, discursive and institutional power the World Bank and Asian Development Bank wield in Myanmar, and how they have used it to advance specic transition pathways. Together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Banks have been instrumental in shaping electrication and energy policy, but have often been frustrated in seeing their
Report prepared over May-Sep 2018 as part of dissertation research for University College London and edited for publication over Nov-Dec 2018.
preferences guide practice. Lack of consensus among donors, state actors, and others characterize Myanmar's energy transition as one of competing pathways and interests. With this struggle far from over, it is still unclear what direction Myanmar's transition will follow, and how sustainable and inclusive it will be. While there are forces within the country that could rally behind more radically alternative pathways, at present, it looks like it will be difficult for Myanmar to go against the preferences and disciplinary power of international finance.
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