Marx vs. Buda: Colonialism, War, and the Roots of the Communist Party of Burma (1930-1945)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to determine the building process of Burmese Marxism and its relation to other ideologies of the anticolonial movement, and the consequences of the founding of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB). We will analyze the formative period of the PCB and its difficulties to consolidate its ideology in a complex political, social and cultural environment and how its actions during World War II will permit the party to become the country’s main political force. But the opportunity of having absolute power in its hands will be missed and will mark the beginning of his political decline.

Keywords

• Birmania
• Partido Comunista de Birmania
• colonialismo
• nacionalismo
• socialismo
• marxismo.