The ongoing political instability faced by the current NLD government in Myanmar poses a challenge, which may not be resolved soon. Since independence, Myanmar has been plagued by innumerable ethnic, minority and political problems. Although a new momentum for national reconciliation was given by the USDP government in 2011 with the adoption of a new constitution, economic and social reforms and a nationwide ceasefire agreement, it failed to engender tangible and durable solutions. With the NLD's landslide victory in the 2015 elections Myanmar has embarked on a “new” way forward under the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. This article highlights the various strategies for national reconciliation adopted so far in the country and argues that by altering both the military and USDP methods, the NLD may provide more suitable means and opportunities for resolving ethnic and political tensions.
