In Look Back, a prominent policymaker, historian, or participant reflects upon a major event or phenomenon in recent history, drawing on both their expertise and their first-hand experience. With articles that have addressed such important issues such as reforming the US intelligence sector or dealing with the aftermath of genocide, this section looks back in order to look forward and make sound recommendations for dealing with current international policy dilemmas.

Battle for Burma:
The Process of National Reconciliation

By Min Zin

No crisis in the world today can be effectively resolved without the active intervention of a third party, unless the concerned parties have both the will and capacity to settle their differences. Burma is one case where such will is lacking. With the country on the brink of total collapse and international attention inconsistent and under-funded, Burma's national reconciliation process remains at a standstill. more...