Since 1948, Myanmar has endured a protracted armed conflict fueled by broken promises of federalism and military repression. This special issue challenges the longheld belief that the military is a stabilizing force. In truth, the Myanmar military has used the language of peace to entrench its power, not end conflict. Through evidence, analysis, and history, this newsletter reveals the military’s role as the key instigator of instability. True unity will not come from coercion, but from a federal democracy led by the people—one that reflects Myanmar’s diversity and rejects military domination.