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The resolution required the country to change its name to the “Republic of North Macedonia,” despite significant protests from its citizens.
Countries Changing Names: Burma vs Myanmar Controversy
This change was made partly to maintain peace with Greece, which had been blocking the country’s accession to the European Union and NATO.
This case underscores the broader issue of how countries navigate name changes and the complex interplay between historical grievances and national identity.
One notable example of a country undergoing a name change is Myanmar, previously known as Burma. The name change from Burma to Myanmar is a significant case study in understanding how political and historical contexts influence national identity and international recognition.
Myanmar gained independence from Britain in 1948 under the name Union of Burma. However, in 1962, a coup led by General Ne Win resulted in the adoption of an ideology known as the “Burmese Way to Socialism.” This period was marked by totalitarian rule, military governance, and isolationism.
The economic crisis in the late 1980s, exacerbated by Ne Win’s controversial decision to withdraw most banknotes without warning, contributed to widespread public unrest.
The financial instability and widespread human rights abuses led to the 8-8-88 Uprising, which eventually resulted in the ousting of Ne Win and the establishment of a military junta led by Saw Maung.
In 1989, the new military government decided to change the country’s name from Burma to Myanmar. The rationale behind this change was to move away from what was seen as a lingering vestige of colonialism.
Although “Burma” and “Myanmar” both refer to the same ethnic majority, the Bamar people, the new name was intended to reflect a more authentic and less colonial identity. “Myanmar” was seen as more formal and official, whereas “Burma” was considered colloquial.
The international community’s reception of the name change was mixed. While some countries and organizations recognized the new name, many continued to use “Burma,” particularly due to the military government’s human rights abuses and lack of democratic reforms.
The new government, which came to power after the 2011 elections, has not made any formal statement on the name, allowing both “Burma” and “Myanmar” to be used interchangeably.
The case of Myanmar is not unique. Countries around the world have altered their names for various reasons, often linked to historical, political, or cultural motivations.
For instance, the transition from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018 was driven by a desire to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence and to avoid confusion with Switzerland.
Similarly, the African nation of Ghana changed its name from the Gold Coast Colony upon independence to assert its new national identity.
In Asia, Iran’s request to be called Iran rather than Persia in 1935 was another example of a country seeking to align its international identity with its local heritage.
The name “Persia” had been used by Westerners, derived from the Old Persian word “Parsa,” referring to a region in Iran. The Shah of Iran’s request aimed to reflect the name that Iranians had used for millennia.
Moreover, name changes can also result from shifts in language and transliteration systems. The transformation from Peking to Beijing and Canton to Guangdong reflects changes in the Romanization of Chinese characters, moving from the older “Postal Romanisation” system to the newer “Hanyu Pinyin” system.
The Czech Republic’s decision to adopt the short-form name “Czechia” is another recent example. This name aims to provide a more convenient and recognizable alternative to the official title “Czech Republic” in everyday usage.
Similarly, countries like Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) have sought to standardize the use of their official names internationally, reflecting a desire to maintain linguistic and cultural accuracy.
Even in cases where a name change may seem minor, like Timor-Leste (East Timor), the motivation often ties back to a desire for consistency and authenticity in international recognition.
The process of changing a country’s name is complex and fraught with challenges, from updating road signs and official documents to adjusting maps and international records.
Yet, the importance of a country’s name cannot be underestimated, as it plays a critical role in national identity and international relations.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Myanmar’s name change, as well as similar cases around the world, highlights how names are not just labels but reflections of a nation’s history, culture, and aspirations.
The ongoing debate over names like Burma and Myanmar illustrates the broader implications of how countries navigate their identities on the global stage.
