1/ Introduction Other struggles for democracy Narrating democracy Book overview 2/ Elucidating the meaning of democracy through narrative An 'ideal type' of democracy? Revisiting the 'essential contestability' of democracy Interpretivism and meanings of democracy Using narrative analysis to elucidate meanings of democracy Conclusion 3/ Toward the 'Ocean of Democracy'? The British colonial administration, the thakin and contests over meanings of democracy in late colonial Burma British Colonial Administration and the 'Ocean of Democracy' Burmese Independence Leaders and Counter Narratives Conclusion 4/ Burma after independence: From moral to 'disciplined' democracy Unity, moral democracy and the leadership of the AFPFL Military socialism The road to 'disciplined democracy' 1988-2011 under General Than Shwe The opposition movement Conclusion 5/ A liberal narrative The challenge of division and personalised politics The vision of democratic procedures and liberal values The strategy of capacity building Conclusion 6/ A benevolence narrative The challenge of moral failure The vision of sedana The strategy of moral education and building of discipline Conclusion 7/ An equality narrative The challenge of hierarchy The vision of equality The strategy of cultural reform Conclusion 8/ Exposing the political use of narratives Narratives of democracy as instruments of power The overt and covert nature of conceptual politics Conclusion 9/ Beyond an 'ideal type': Implications for democracy promotion The implications of other struggles for democracy Conclusion 10/ Playing different games: Myanmar's future challenges Prospects for a benevolent democracy beyond 2020 The future of democracy promotion and governance reform in Myanmar Other struggles for democracy References Index