Nichols, Denise L (1997) In her own words : Aung San Suu Kyi as an organic intellectual addressing the context and content of dialogue in Burma in transition to democracy. Honours thesis, Victoria University of Technology.

Abstract

This thesis argues that Aung San Suu Kyi is an "organic intellectual" who offers a vision for an alternative democratic political system in Burma. She integrates the characteristics of modem democracy and the universal values of human rights within the religious and cultural precepts of Burmese society. In addition, she is adding to the political discourse in relation to Asian values and context. It is also argued that in global politics Aung San Suu Kyi demonstrates that the narrowness of Realism theory in International Relations (IR) theory is of limited value in enabling the international community to respond to the complex issues confronting communities currently under authoritarian mle. Her own people focussed political philosophy based on universal values and moral principles underpinned by her deeply held Buddhist beliefs challenges the dominant power discourse in IR theory. This thesis was not fully able to take into account the possibilities for a transition to democracy in Burma. Suffice to say that recent theory on transitions from authoritarian rule points to Aung San Suu Kyi as a charismatic leader and her advocacy of dialogue as key ingredients in any future transition to democracy.

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