Nicholas Coppel

Former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar

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Myanmar executions reveal regime desperation

Nicholas Coppel examines the motive behind the execution this week of four pro-democracy activists by the military junta in Myanmar.

ASEAN’s snub to Myanmar junta a sign of change

ASEAN has decided not to invite a political representative of Myanmar’s military regime to its annual summit, instead promising to give the seat to a ‘non-political representative’. Former ambassador Nicholas Coppel writes that this modest break with ASEAN’s tradition of non-interference is unlikely to bring about change, but it can help.

Coronavirus compounds Myanmar's coup crisis

Having suffered the depredations of a violent military takeover and a collapse in medical care, the people of Myanmar are now confronted with one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the region. Former ambassador Nicholas Coppel argues that the past record suggests little action can be expected from a military regime that is likely to “callously welcome” the impact of the disease on dampening civil unrest.

Myanmar’s protests now a revolutionary cause

Myanmar’s protest movement is fighting back against the army coup with urban guerrilla warfare tactics, turning passive resistance into armed revolution. The outlook, writes former ambassador Nicholas Coppel, is a bleak and increasingly bloody situation that will require facilitated mediation.