Myanmar’s northern borderlands is a series of analytical papers intended to enhance the understanding of international actors regarding the evolving landscape of conflict and peace in this strategically significant region.
Despite its relatively remote location, Kachin State plays an important role in Myanmar’s ongoing conflict due to its significant natural resource reserves and border crossings to China. Several powerful armed groups operate along the border, providing political and material support to new resistance movements throughout the rest of the country. The trajectory of conflict between the northern armed groups and the Myanmar military will be a determining factor in the outcome of the current civil war, and is likely to shape future relations with China, Myanmar’s most significant neighbour. This first paper in this series provides an overview of the complex and shifting military and political dynamics in Kachin State since the 2021 military coup. It examines key developments that have reshaped the balance of power among local actors, including the Myanmar military, the Kachin Independence Army, and other armed groups operating in the region.