Arakan Army (AA) becomes the most effective and influential force in the Myanmar revolution

The Arakan Army (AA) is practically operating as an independent state, controlling most of the townships and strategic areas in Rakhine State, and has become the most powerful armed revolutionary force in South and Southeast Asia, according to a report by the US-based independent think tank, The Jamestown Foundation. The report states that the AA has gained geopolitical influence through its effective establishment of law and order, social and local governance mechanisms, and its control over international projects, in addition to its military successes. The AA has fully controlled 14 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State and Palawa town in Chin State, and has expanded its operational areas to Ayeyarwaddy, Bago, Magway, and Sagaing regions to create an intermediate zone between the mainland and Rakhine, and to approach the military's KPC factories. The AA aims to make the entire Rakhine State a military-free zone by the end of 2027. The AA has gained public support by controlling areas from rural to urban centers and implementing its own court, education, health, and police (DLEPS) activities. The research paper states that it is promoting religious and ethnic harmony by interacting with Muslim and Hindu minorities. Furthermore, it has formed strategic alliances with its allies MNDAA and TNLA, as well as UWSA and KIA. It is also providing military training and support in various sectors to more than 23 revolutionary forces nationwide and the NUG's PDF forces. The AA has effectively utilized domestic and international news networks and has systematically built public trust in the media and propaganda war. Under the strategic leadership of General Tun Myat Naing, it has mobilized the youth with the "Rakhine Dream" and has also promoted the role of women in the revolution. Due to its geographical position, which does not directly border China, it is free from political pressure from Beijing, and it is said to have more freedom in its decision-making power in fighting the military than other Northern Alliance groups. The AA's control over 10 out of 11 of China's "New Silk Road" projects in Rakhine State and the intersection of India's Kaladan project (Palawa) may allow it to exert influence over neighboring major powers. Moreover, Bangladesh is also viewing the AA as a key organization that must inevitably negotiate with it on border security and the issue of Rohingya repatriation. In its 17 years of existence, the Arakan Army (AA) has not only engaged in military combat but has also been able to build a sustainable administrative system, demonstrating outstanding performance compared to other ethnic revolutionary organizations that have been active for many years. With the recognition of nearly 30 revolutionary organizations and the attention from the media, the AA has become the most influential and decisive organization in the current Myanmar conflict.