The Tug-of-War Between Bearing Arms and the Darker Side of Human Nature

By Bhone Ye Naing

Arms

A weapon is one of the clearest symbols of power.

When someone carries a weapon, they also hold power. With that power comes the responsibility to use it wisely. Gaining power is difficult, but using it responsibly is even harder.

Today, many young people in Myanmar have taken up arms, and many revolutionary armed groups have emerged. They did so with the shared goal of ending military dictatorship.

But carrying a weapon also brings another challenge—the temptation to misuse power and the darker side of human nature. This article refers to that danger as "evil desires," and it is something that must always be guarded against.

What Are "Evil Desires"?

The Pali word Micchā means wrong views or wrong conduct.

In this article, "evil desires" refers to the negative tendencies that can exist, to different degrees, in every human being. These include the desire to abuse power, put personal interests above others, or dominate and oppress those who are weaker.

These tendencies can:

• Become stronger when a person gains power.

• Grow bolder when the rule of law weakens.

• Create a desire to dominate those who are weaker.

• Become more pronounced during war and violence.

Sometimes, people may not even realize these tendencies exist within themselves.

This is especially true in societies that have experienced oppression and violence for many years. Such behaviors can quietly pass from one generation to the next without people noticing.

When the Rule of Law Weakens

The rule of law provides the rules that keep the use of power in check. When it is strong, most people are able to control their actions.

But when war and the collapse of governance weaken the rule of law, the risk of the following increases:

• Abuse of power

• Intimidation and oppression of weaker people

• Looting and seizure of property

• Sexual violence

Many people believe only "bad people" commit these crimes. Yet history has shown that even ordinary people can commit serious abuses during conflict when given the opportunity.

The real danger, therefore, is not simply that bad people exist. It is the absence of rules and systems that keep power under control.

How Can We Control "Evil Desires"?

Anyone who carries a weapon must be properly trained to use the power they hold responsibly.

1. Education

Armed groups should provide ongoing training on military ethics, human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender equality, and the protection of civilians.

2. Discipline and Accountability

Every organization should have clear rules, independent and fair investigation processes, and effective mechanisms to hold offenders accountable.

3. Transparency and Public Accountability

Armed organizations must remain accountable to the public and carry out their work as openly and transparently as possible.

4. Meaningful Participation of Women and Minority Groups

The more diverse voices are included in decision-making, the less likely it is that power will be exercised unfairly or by a single group alone.

Conclusion

Myanmar's revolution is not only about removing military dictatorship. It is also about building a society based on justice, freedom, and human dignity.

For that reason, democracy should not begin only after the revolution succeeds. Democratic values must be practiced throughout the revolutionary process.

While fighting an oppressive military, revolutionaries must make sure they do not become oppressive themselves. While resisting dictatorship, they must avoid adopting authoritarian behavior of their own.

This is one of the greatest responsibilities of every revolutionary force.

A revolution is not complete simply because it defeats an enemy.

It also requires changing ourselves, strengthening our organizations, and building a culture that exercises power responsibly.

Only then can Myanmar truly build a new society—one free from dictatorship and founded on human dignity, justice, and freedom.