Burma: Companies, NGOs and the New Diplomacy

Briefing Paper
John Bray, October 2001

One of the most important features of the Burma debate is the role played by non-state actors - particularly NGOs, but also companies. A loose coalition of advocacy groups has put pressure on Western governments to impose sanctions on Burma, and on companies to withdraw from the country. Petroleum companies, in particular, have been accused of collaborating with an illegitimate regime. But such campaigns raise further questions: what role should advocacy groups play in foreign policy-making? And what are the real responsibilities of international companies in controversial states?