In the quest for self-determination and equality for an ethnic group or a nation, the "non-violent peaceful path" and the "armed resistance path" have constantly intertwined and been debated throughout history. Some Mon leaders prefer to emulate the middle path of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Indian independence, and the non-violent peace movements of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. However, the practical lessons of history are sometimes very bitter.
Although the path of peace is recognized by the world, in practice, the Tibetan people remain defenseless against absorption under the powerful Chinese government. Amidst over 60 years of ineffective condemnations by the United Nations (UN), Tibetan culture, language, and national identity have come close to disappearing year after year. This highlights the global reality that "without power, justice cannot be achieved." Events such as the US atomic bombings ending World War II, and the Cuban Missile Crisis—where the US did not dare to launch a direct military strike due to Soviet military strength—prove that **Military Might is the core backbone of political power and security**.
On the Myanmar political stage as well, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) was able to build a fully self-governing "Wa Region" and deter the central government's intervention solely because of its massive military power.
The New Myanmar Political Landscape Post-2021 and Divergences in the Mon National Movement
The expectations of "political change within the framework of the constitution," which lasted from the era of U Thein Sein's government in 2011 until the 2020 election, completely came to an end with the February 2021 military coup. When political leaders, including popular leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, were arrested and detained, and the electoral path was completely blocked, Myanmar politics as a whole transitioned from a "non-violent path" to an "armed resistance path."
During this turning point, significant strategic differences emerged within the Mon national movement:
**New Mon State Party (NMSP - Headquarters):** Following the military coup, it continued to engage in some political dialogues with the military council (SAC) and attempted to maintain the ceasefire. However, it faced criticism as the military council’s failure to keep promises and the impossibility of achieving federalism under a military dictatorship became apparent.
**New Mon State Party - Anti-Dictatorship (NMSP-AD):** Viewing that negotiating with the military council would not achieve the goals of the Mon nation, it broke away from the New Mon State Party in early 2024. It decisively chose the path of armed revolution against the military dictatorship. They are currently accelerating military momentum by collaborating with Spring Revolution forces and allies, including the Karen National Union (KNU).
**Mon State Federal Council (MSFC):** A politically emerged council that connects with the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) to shape the future political landscape of Mon State from civil and political fronts under the Federal Democracy Charter (FDC).
**Mon Unity Party (MUP):** Possessing a background that chose the path of elections and party politics, it attempted to continue standing under the military council's election commission. However, amid the current trend of escalating warfare, it faces a crisis due to a narrowing political space.
## Current Global Situation and Geopolitical Impacts
Today's global landscape is marked by rising instability due to the Ukraine-Russia war, Middle East conflicts, and US-China strategic competition. The United Nations can no longer effectively resolve global conflicts, and "power-based interest struggles" dominate.
Regarding Myanmar affairs, China—seeking stability for its billions in investments and as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port—is playing its cards with both the military council and the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). Meanwhile, the US and Western bloc provide technical and financial assistance to the NUG and revolutionary groups through the BURMA Act, but direct military intervention remains far off. Therefore, **we must build our national destiny based solely on our own military and political strength**.
## Future Analysis and Strategic Recommendations
To achieve self-determination for the Mon nation, build a Federal Mon State, and ensure the long-term survival of the Mon language and culture, the following strategic preparations are recommended:
## 1. Strategically Upgrading Military Might (Military Resurgence)
The decline of the NMSP's military strength during the 30-years ceasefire period serves as a lesson. Together with the emergence of the NMSP-AD, Mon youth must be trained in military science and technology (especially drones and modern warfare) to exponentially expand the Mon National Liberation Army (MNLA) in both quantity and quality. Only with strong military power can we speak authoritatively with veto power at the negotiating table when restructuring the future Federal Union.
## 2. Building a "Mon National Coordinating Platform" among Political and Military Forces
Although differences currently exist among the NMSP, NMSP-AD, MSFC, and MUP, behind-the-scenes dialogues must be conducted under the common goal of "Mon National Destiny." A **"Double-track strategy"** should be systematically utilized: where those who revolt do so militarily, while those positioned in domestic politics protect the Mon public to minimize casualties.
## 3. Harmonious Cooperation with the NUG and Allies
The MSFC and NMSP-AD must secure formal political commitments from the NUG and CRPH to federal guarantees. Concurrently, it is necessary to firmly sign military and political alliance treaties with neighboring ethnic armed groups, including the Karen (KNU), to prevent territorial conflicts.
## 4. Transforming Cultural and Language Heritage from "Defense to Offense"
To prevent our literature from disappearing as in Tibet, the **"Mon National Education System"** must be further strengthened in revolutionary areas and Mon regions. Using modern digital technology, Mon literature and history must be showcased to the world to boost national spirit among the youth.
## Shaping the Role of OMCC and Diaspora Mon Forces into a "Mon National Congress"
In addition to the military and political forces, the fourth pillar of the Mon national movement rests upon the diaspora Mon forces. Here, the role of the **OMCC (Overseas Mon Coordinating Committee)** is vital. The OMCC serves as a hub that can mobilize Mon diplomats, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs across various countries worldwide.
Amidst domestic military and political hardships, the strength of the diaspora must be boosted so the world can hear the voice of the Mon people through the following actions:
**International Advocacy:** The OMCC must energetically present the Mon nation’s demands for self-determination and the military council’s human rights violations to governments worldwide, including the UN, ASEAN, US, and the European Union (EU), through various diplomatic channels.
**Consolidating Diaspora Mon Organizations (Transitioning into a Mon National Congress):** The OMCC must elevate its leadership role from a standard coordinating level to becoming a unified front—a **Unified Mon Front (Mon National Congress)**—that integrates all diaspora Mon organizations, Mon parties, and revolutionary forces.
**Resource Mobilization:** The primary responsibility falls on the OMCC to seek and provide necessary technology, finances, and human resources from around the globe for the NMSP-AD resisting militarily at home, the MSFC striving politically, and Mon's national education projects.
## Conclusion
History proves that peace is not something the weak can obtain by begging; it is something that only the strong can create. The federal aspirations of the Mon nation do not rest on paper promises or the sham elections of the military council.
Bravely facing the challenges of the current era, alongside the military momentum of the NMSP-AD and the political foresight of the MSFC domestically, the OMCC must lead abroad to build a solid international diplomatic front through a unified "Mon National Congress."
Only when these three dimensions—domestic military might, domestic politics, and international diplomacy—are harmoniously integrated, will the Mon people inevitably grasp a long-lasting peaceful future and self-determination that meets international standards.
*References: (Kaowao) News Article, July 10, 2012, along with the Mon language article "Mon National Army and Peace" (ဒပ်ပၞာန်ကောန်ဂကူမန်ကဵု ပရေင်ၜိုဟ်လလမ်).* by Apar Hong Mon.MSFC Facebook page, NUG Facebook page, NMSP-AD Facebook page. BBC News, Bangkok Post, and CNN.
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