Soft Power Dynamics in Burmese Relations with the United States, India and China & the Search for the "Third Way".

This paper examines the evolution of the bi-lateral relations of China, India and the United States with Burma over the past two decades. It analyses the growth of Chinese influence in Burma and how the Chinese have effectively utilised soft power to gain significant political and economic penetration within Burma. It also looks at the shifts in Indian policy formation in its relations with Burma to counteract this growing Chinese presence. It examines the Indian security concerns which prompted this policy shift and analyses the soft power sources and limitations which keep it from effectively competing with China in Burma. Furthermore this paper looks at the United States' hard line policy of economic sanctions and political isolation. It explores why this policy has been to date unsuccessful and how the incorporation of soft power into US Burmese policy could be crucial in beginning the reform process in Burma. Finally this paper also examines the potential to develop a "third way" of dealing with the Burmese Military Junta. This new way forward focuses on a cooperative strategy for dealing with Burma which incorporates beneficial common goals between all relevant actors to begin a unified international dialogue with the Burmese government. It also utilises the effective use of soft power to attract the Burmese government into reforms by placating fears and creating opportunities to benefit from openness to reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]