Sean Turnell
Insight Myanmar16 Tammi 2024

Sean Turnell

Episode #212: Sean Turnell's remarkable journey in Myanmar, spanning over three decades, reflects a life deeply intertwined with the country's tumultuous history.

He first describes his extensive research on Myanmar's economy, culminating in his first book, “Fiery Dragons,” which highlighted the importance of understanding history and culture in economics.

Turnell's involvement deepened when he joined Aung San Suu Kyi's government as an economic advisor in 2016, a time fraught with challenges like the constant threat of a military coup and a looming banking crisis. His efforts to reform the banking sector faced resistance—along with personal threats— due to the involvement of criminal enterprises.


Following the military takeover on February 1st, 2021, Turnell was tried on trumped up espionage charges and imprisoned for 650 days. His ordeal was marked by Kafkaesque court proceedings, horrible prison conditions and multiple battles with COVID-19. Turnell did find some solace in books, and especially solidarity with fellow political prisoners. He was even able to get some guarded moments with Aung San Suu Kyi, who impressed him with her strength and resilience even in such terrible circumstances.


Turnell remains an outspoken opponent of the junta's crimes, despite facing extradition threats. The experience has transformed him, making him more inclined towards activism and advocacy.


Amid all those challenges, Turnell developed a deep faith in the courage and compassion of the Burmese people, believing that they will ultimately prevail in their quest for a brighter future. “From what I've seen, Myanmar is the collection of the best, the brightest, most courageous people I've ever met in my life and I remain confident that they'll win through in the end.”

Jaksot(507)

Schooling the System

Schooling the System

Episode #366: Sallo Polak, founder of the Philanthropy Connections Foundation (PCF), has spent decades building a grassroots approach to humanitarian aid in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Motivated ...

20 Heinä 202557min

Awakenings and Uprisings

Awakenings and Uprisings

Episode #365: “The Buddha lives and teaches for the welfare of the world, for the happiness of the world,” says Bhikkhu Bodhi. “He does live for the welfare and happiness of human beings. And so now, ...

18 Heinä 20251h 49min

The Ripple Effect

The Ripple Effect

Episode #364: Ben’s simple words resonate strongly: “If I could do something small for one person, why would I not?” This episode brings together Ben and a Burmese student who goes by the moniker Litt...

15 Heinä 20251h 1min

Bonus Episode: A Talk at New Bloom

Bonus Episode: A Talk at New Bloom

New Bloom is an online magazine and community space covering activism and youth politics in Taiwan and the Asia Pacific, founded in Taiwan in 2014 in the wake of the Sunflower Movement. They welcomed ...

13 Heinä 20251h 17min

Crypto in the Time of Tyranny

Crypto in the Time of Tyranny

Episode #363: In post-coup Myanmar, where conventional aid channels with humanitarian intentions risk getting diverted and empowering the military junta, Blockchain technology presents a nuanced alter...

11 Heinä 20251h 21min

The Invisible Enemy

The Invisible Enemy

Episode #362: Myanmar has recorded the world’s worst casualties from landmines and explosive ordnance for the first time, with over 1,000 casualties in 2024 alone, 29% of whom are children. The inaugu...

8 Heinä 20251h 39min

No Self, No Junta

No Self, No Junta

Episode #361: “I am Burmese. I feel like it is my duty and responsibility to speak about it.” With these words, Myet opens a conversation that explores Myanmar’s past and present, weaving together per...

6 Heinä 20251h 9min

Crime and Disbursement

Crime and Disbursement

Episode #360: “To have my daughter summarily decide that I was complicit in genocide, I really had to think through again my logic for taking the position that we should stay. It sent me on a lot of s...

4 Heinä 20252h

Suosittua kategoriassa Politiikka ja uutiset

aikalisa
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
tervo-halme
politiikan-puskaradio
viisupodi
rss-vaalirankkurit-podcast
rss-asiastudio
otetaan-yhdet
et-sa-noin-voi-sanoo-esittaa
rss-podme-livebox
the-ulkopolitist
rss-hyvaa-huomenta-bryssel
rss-tasta-on-kyse-ivan-puopolo-verkkouutiset
aihe
radio-antro
rss-kiina-ilmiot
rss-vain-talouselamaa
rikosmyytit
rss-kovin-paikka