Myanmar: Conflict-Induced Displacement and (Im)mobilities
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Sociology
Abstract
'Myanmar: Conflict-Induced Displacement and (Im)mobilities' will interrogate the conceptualisation of 'conflict-induced
displacement' through an in-depth case study of forced displacement close to 4 million people in and from Myanmar since 2011 and
the variety of their lived experiences of (im)mobilities. This qualitative study lies at the intersections of literatures on (forced)
migration and mobilities, conflict studies, and nation-building, identity, and citizenship and asks: What do the multiple post-2011
displacements and lived (im)mobilities within and outside Myanmar reveal about the limitations and possibilities of current
conceptualisations of 'conflict-induced displacement'? It will 1) interrogate and refine the conceptualisation of 'conflict-induced
displacement' through empirical analysis and comparison of multiple post-2011 forced displacements and (im)mobilities within and
outside Myanmar; 2) highlight the mutually reinforcing role of state and non-state actors in violent conflict that causes and prolongs
forced migration in Myanmar; and 3) historicise understandings of contemporary displacement in Myanmar. I take an
interdisciplinary approach combining insights from history, political science, sociology, and anthropology. I will use a combination of
methods from political science - process tracing - and sociology - semi-structured interviews. Through this project I will acquire new
analytical and managerial skills and be introduced to new networks. I will bring Southeast Asia expertise, networks and perspective to
my host institution which is seeking to develop knowledge of the region.
displacement' through an in-depth case study of forced displacement close to 4 million people in and from Myanmar since 2011 and
the variety of their lived experiences of (im)mobilities. This qualitative study lies at the intersections of literatures on (forced)
migration and mobilities, conflict studies, and nation-building, identity, and citizenship and asks: What do the multiple post-2011
displacements and lived (im)mobilities within and outside Myanmar reveal about the limitations and possibilities of current
conceptualisations of 'conflict-induced displacement'? It will 1) interrogate and refine the conceptualisation of 'conflict-induced
displacement' through empirical analysis and comparison of multiple post-2011 forced displacements and (im)mobilities within and
outside Myanmar; 2) highlight the mutually reinforcing role of state and non-state actors in violent conflict that causes and prolongs
forced migration in Myanmar; and 3) historicise understandings of contemporary displacement in Myanmar. I take an
interdisciplinary approach combining insights from history, political science, sociology, and anthropology. I will use a combination of
methods from political science - process tracing - and sociology - semi-structured interviews. Through this project I will acquire new
analytical and managerial skills and be introduced to new networks. I will bring Southeast Asia expertise, networks and perspective to
my host institution which is seeking to develop knowledge of the region.
