Raphaël Grenier-Benoit, a 2021 Scholar of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, is the author of “Myanmar’s Long Spring”, published in Liberties Journal, an article examining the revolution that has shaken Myanmar since the 2021 military coup.

The revolution, told from the ground

Drawing on encounters with members of the resistance, activists, students and representatives of different ethnic communities, Raphaël Grenier-Benoit sheds light on the complexity of the Spring Revolution, which emerged following the overthrow of Myanmar’s democratically elected government in February 2021.

His article traces the experiences of people who have chosen different forms of engagement: some joined the armed resistance, while others put their skills to work in education, political organizing or support for people living in exile.

Beyond opposition to the military regime, the article also highlights the political, generational and ethnic tensions within the revolutionary movement. Questions of federalism, minority representation and power-sharing emerge as central issues for the country’s future.

Through these accounts, “Myanmar’s Long Spring” offers a first-hand perspective on the hopes, divisions and sacrifices shaping a revolution whose outcome remains uncertain.