Burma

So I am writing a policy brief for my Global Health class. It is on human trafficking. I have learned a lot about it and it is fascinatingly sad. But by reading up on this, I came across an interesting thing...

So Burma is the largest country in Southeast Asia. It is a hot spot for human trafficking. It used to be one of the wealthiest countries in Southeast Asia. But today, it is one of the WORLDS most impoverished countries. Why is this and how did it change so drastically? Well in 1948 their Prime Minister at the time, U Nu, tried to drastically change their country into what we call a welfare state. A welfare state is based on the concepts of equality. Equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to basically provide for themselves (welfare). The state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. All aspects of welfare are considered and universally applied to citizens as a "right".
After this, their largest exports fell dramatically- upwards of 96%. Then in 1962 they tried another economic scheme called the Burmese Way To Socialism. These dramatic changes and programs led Burma to be one of the most impoverished countries in the world.

I really hope this doesn't happen to us.