Namibia-Myanmar Relations: Challenges, and the Potential Role of South Africa and India

Abstract

Namibia and Myanmar have not established diplomatic missions in each other’s territories. This paper aimed to understand the reasons for the non-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in question in a globalised era. The potential role that South Africa and India as emerging global powers could play in strengthening Namibia-Myanmar relations was also explored. The paper borrowed concepts from the realist, constructivist, and regionalist perspectives of international relations to build its research approach. A desk-based qualitative research design was employed, aided by secondary data sources. The data collected was analysed with content analysis techniques. The study found that Namibia and Myanmar have had different foreign policy priorities that may have hindered the possibility of a diplomatic relationship. Geographic distance, limited connectivity, lack of historical and cultural ties, limited economic interactions, and political and governance differences between Namibia and Myanmar, along with regional and international dynamics and the human rights situation in Myanmar were identified as major challenges. It was discussed that South Africa and India’s positive intervention in the situation may encourage cooperation between Namibia and Myanmar.