Myanmar

Myanmar is a Southeast Asian nation currently under military rule following a coup in 2021 that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The country is newsworthy due to the recent convening of a new parliament dominated by the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), following elections widely seen as illegitimate due to the exclusion of major opposition parties. This marks the first parliamentary session since the coup. The junta, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, faces challenges to its legitimacy and is under scrutiny for its human rights record. Furthermore, Myanmar is implicated in regional issues, including Southeast Asian scam centers targeting individuals globally, leading to international crackdowns involving Meta and law enforcement agencies. China has also extolled the execution of leaders of a Myanmar crime syndicate, vowing to protect its citizens abroad. The country is also likely affected by the regional energy crisis.