Economist Podcasts Not-purchasing power: boycotts in Myanmar
Mar 22, 2021
Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into the ongoing protests in Myanmar, examining how boycotts of army-owned businesses serve as a subtle form of resistance against the military coup. He discusses the economic impact of these actions and their potential to affect the junta's financial struggles. Meanwhile, Matt Kaplan, science correspondent, explores the surprising role of Neanderthal DNA in determining COVID-19 severity, revealing both harmful and protective variants across different populations.
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Boycotts in Myanmar
- Protesters in Myanmar are boycotting army-owned businesses.
- This subtle resistance aims to disrupt the junta's finances and force a retreat.
Army's Economic Clout
- The Myanmar army's finances are opaque, making it difficult to assess the boycotts' impact.
- The army controls large conglomerates like MEL and MEC, with stakes in various sectors.
Economic Impact of Boycotts
- Investors are cutting ties with army-linked businesses due to activist pressure.
- The boycotts and general strike are harming Myanmar's economy, causing currency depreciation and price spikes.