with Yuri Frolov
YF: Can you tell me about yourself and share a bit of your background?
ALT: I’m originally from Myanmar. After undergraduate studies there, I completed my first Master’s degree in Development Practice at the University of Queensland in Australia. Later, I earned a second Master’s degree from the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in the Netherlands. My academic and professional journey has been deeply rooted in Southeast Asia, where I’ve worked with various civil society organizations, particularly on gender issues, democratization, and governance. Previously, I worked as a Gender Program Manager for a local organization, and after the military coup in Myanmar, I transitioned into academia and advocacy. I’ve collaborated with both local and regional groups and have been actively involved in capacity-building efforts. My experiences living under an authoritarian regime and engaging with pro-democracy movements have deeply shaped both my personal journey and academic interests. I’m committed to using academic research to support those fighting for democracy in Southeast Asia.
YF: That’s an incredible path. You’ve studied in Australia, the Netherlands, Myanmar, and now Canada. Can you share how your academic experiences differed across these countries?
ALT: Absolutely. My time in Australia and the Netherlands was especially eye-opening. Although I had worked with international organizations before, I lacked a strong theoretical foundation. My Master’s studies exposed me to development theories and frameworks, which allowed me to critically engage with humanitarian and development practices. In Canada, my PhD journey is more academic and research-intensive. Unlike a Master’s program, which focuses on applying theory in practice, the PhD demands critical thinking and deeper reflection. It’s about building knowledge and generating insights that can shape policy and advocacy. I’m grateful to my university and my scholarship provider for supporting me during such a difficult time, especially after the coup in Myanmar when I felt lost about my future.
YF: You mentioned the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. Has that changed your ability to conduct fieldwork in your home country?
ALT: Unfortunately, yes. I presented academic work related to the military coup at conferences, which made my name and research visible. It’s simply too risky to go back. Instead, I’ve conducted my fieldwork in Thailand, where many Myanmar civil society organizations have relocated. This relocation has influenced my research direction, but I’ve still been able to engage closely with affected communities and organizations.
YF: You’re deeply engaged in pro-democracy activism and democratic transformation. What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
ALT: Southeast Asia is a region of political complexity, where many countries experience varying degrees of authoritarianism. I wanted to understand how civil society organizations survive and resist under repressive regimes. I started comparing Myanmar and Thailand. While both face restrictions, the levels and forms of repression differ. I found it fascinating how civil society organizations adapt, resist, and find new pathways despite immense challenges. The 2021 military coup in Myanmar was a personal turning point. It made clear how fragile democratic progress can be. I witnessed how quickly hard-won freedoms were dismantled, and how bravely civil society responded—often at great personal risk. I realized that academic research doesn’t fully capture the depth of their resistance and resilience, and I felt a responsibility to amplify their stories through my work.
YF: Could you tell us more about your PhD project? What are your key research questions and what drives your current focus?
ALT: My dissertation is titled “Transnational Networks and Resilience of Civil Society Organizations in Thailand and Myanmar”. It explores how pro-democracy civil society organizations—particularly women’s rights groups—survive and adapt under authoritarian regimes. I focus on both Myanmar and Thailand, which face different types of state repression. A central question I ask is: Why are some civil society organizations able to persist under repression while others are not? I look at how these organizations build transnational networks, partner with international actors, use digital platforms, and access global solidarity to stay resilient—even when physical space for activism is restricted. Using a combination of interviews with activists, scholars, and policymakers, I hope to develop a framework for understanding civil society resilience in authoritarian contexts. My ultimate goal is to inform not just academic discussions but also practical strategies to support pro-democracy groups across Southeast Asia.
YF: That’s truly impactful. As someone from Russia, I can relate to your work on a personal level. After the coup in Myanmar, Russia was one of the few countries that openly supported the new regime. As ties between the two governments grew stronger, I became more interested in the region and ended up taking classes in Burmese Studies. I still remember my professor saying that Myanmar’s future would be nothing but endless civil war and repression—a very pessimistic outlook. What’s your take? Do you see any reason for optimism?
ALT: It’s difficult to say. The situation is very fluid and changes daily. Sometimes I feel hopeful—for example, when I see the military losing control over large territories to resistance forces. But other times, I’m discouraged by the lack of unity among opposition groups. Another factor is China. China’s influence in Myanmar is growing, and while they promote peace to protect their investments, their involvement lacks inclusivity. Many key stakeholders are excluded from peace talks, which makes lasting solutions difficult. If we can’t build a common goal or a shared vision among the many resistance groups, the future will remain uncertain. I believe civil society, ethnic groups, and all stakeholders must work together to form a true union and consensus. Without that, even if the military falls, we may still face instability.
YF: Lastly, you’ve just received a prestigious award from the Canadian Southeast Asian Studies Initiative. Congratulations! Could you tell us more about that award and how you plan to use it?
ALT: Thank you so much! While the amount isn’t large, it’s very meaningful for me. My current scholarship only covers four years of my PhD, from 2021 to 2025. After that, I’ll need to cover tuition and research expenses myself. This award will help fund those costs—tuition fees, necessary resources, and documents for my dissertation. More than the money, it’s an honor to be recognized. Only two people in Canada received this award, so I’m truly grateful.
YF: Thank you so much for your insights!
Canadian Southeast Asian Studies Initiative 