Mon Mon Myat launches book on Aung San Suu Kyi at Payap University in Chiang Mai

A new book examining the political philosophy, exercise of power, and evolving international legacy of jailed State Counsellor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was officially introduced at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Thursday. Authored by scholar Mon Mon Myat, “Aung San Suu Kyi: The Realities of Power in Burma’s Authoritarian Legacy” explores the leader’s political journey from pro-democracy activist to State Counsellor navigating the strict structural constraints imposed by Myanmar’s military-drafted 2008 Constitution. “The main focus of the book is to explore how Aung San Suu Kyi struggled and operated within the limitations of power she had under a system shaped by an authoritarian legacy,” she told DVB. Mon Mon Myat addressed the dramatic shift in global perception surrounding Aung San Suu Kyi—from her status as a global democratic icon to facing international criticism, particularly regarding her stance on the Rohingya crisis. Noting that while international and domestic views inevitably shift, Aung San Suu Kyi understood these dynamics as a politician and has consistently maintained her core principles throughout her career. The book contends that Aung San Suu Kyi’s political philosophy was fundamentally centered on overcoming fear as a necessary prerequisite for both the rulers and the ruled to dismantle authoritarian structures. According to Mon Mon Myat, this concept remains relevant for future generations because political power is dynamic; ruling classes do not remain in power permanently, and frameworks that help societies move past authoritarian legacies are vital when power balances shift. Furthermore, the book explores her efforts to challenge the notion that democracy is an exclusively Western concept, arguing instead that she promoted a model of democracy rooted in Myanmar’s own traditions and Buddhist teachings. Establishing that Aung San Suu Kyi possessed a distinct, cohesive political philosophy was one of the most challenging aspects of writing the book, Mon Mon Myat shared during the launch. The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring scholars and experts on Myanmar affairs, who exchanged views on Aung San Suu Kyi’s historical impact, her political philosophy, and the future trajectory of Myanmar’s democratic struggle.