Years After Coup, Myanmar’s Government in Exile Teeters on Irrelevancy

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by Sui-Lee WeeFebruary 1, 2026 at 06:01 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Formed in the wake of the 2021 Myanmar coup, the National Unity Government (NUG), a pro-democracy shadow government, aimed to represent the country internationally and resist the junta. Based in exile and within Myanmar, the NUG raised funds and sought to unite rebel groups. However, five years later, the NUG is struggling to achieve its goals. It has not reversed international indifference to the junta's violence, which has resulted in thousands of deaths. The NUG also lacks full control over resistance forces on the ground. As the junta prepares to install a proxy civilian government after widely criticized elections, the NUG faces increasing irrelevance, with critics saying it is disconnected from the needs of the people. The military continues to control a significant portion of the country.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

London 35% Washington 35% Naypyidaw 40% U Kyee Myint ×250% Min Aung Hlaing 60% Myanmar Military ×375% Junta ×785% National Unity Government ×690% Myanmar ×6100%

Keywords

myanmar 100% national unity government 90% military junta 80% government in exile 70% political crisis 60% pro-democracy 60% sham election 50% civil society 40% human rights 40%