The political economy of Norwegian peacemaking in Myanmar’s peace process

Norway is widely accepted as a global leader in peacemaking, due to its lengthy track record of involvement complex peace processes. Its predilection for peacemaking usually interpreted form ‘status-seeking’ by smaller state, aimed at enhancing Norway’s influence and reputation the international system. However, this perception offers limited view obscures other motivations that drive peacemaking. Aimed addressing gap, paper dissects Norwegian efforts Myanmar between 2011 2019. The utilises critical political economy lens uncover deeper underpinning drawing on new interview fieldwork with diverse stakeholders Myanmar’s process. finds material interests, including desire access markets Global South, have played significant role influencing highlighting instrumental potential foreign policy. Concerningly, strategy has served interests dominant power groups Myanmar, contributing subordination minority actors, thus compromising their engagement revealing an image belies constructivist perceptions status moral or humanitarian ‘great power’.