The Rohingyas in Myanmar (Burma) and the Moros in the Philippines: A Comparative Analysis of Two Liberation Movements

Abstract

In recent years, the relative success of the Moros in the Philippines and the tragic failure of the Rohingyas in Myanmar raise important questions: what are the reasons behind the Moros' liberation movement being a success and the Rohingyas movement being a failure? What has led the Moros to achieve at least partial regional autonomy vis-a-vis the failure of the Rohingyas? In the light of Huntington’s theory of revolution, this paper argues that despite the fact that Myanmar and the Philippines have nearly the same percentage of Muslims, the Moros have been successful at least due to three reasons: First, the political conditions have been much more conducive in the Philippines compared to Myanmar for liberation movement. Secondly, the Moros' movement has been led by a strong organization under a capable leadership while the Rohingyas' movement lacks a strong organization and an able leadership. Finally, while the Moros have successfully mobilized mass support both at home and abroad, the Rohingyas have failed to internationalize their movement and, consequently, they have become "stateless" and “political refugees”.