Erin L. Murphy Books

A play on George Orwell's famous novel, Burmese Days, Burmese Haze provides a unique--and personal--perspective on the historical events and foreign ties that shaped Myanmar and its relationship with the United States. Former intelligence analyst Erin Murphy tells the story of a remarkable political transition and subsequent collapse, taking the story beyond the headlines to explain why Myanmar and US policy toward it is where it is today. The book weaves in historical details, analysis, and memories drawn from interviews with senior US officials and tycoons, monks, activists, and antagonists.

The Anti-Imperialist movement, spearheaded by the Anti-Imperialist League, is examined through the lens of ethical witnessing. The book highlights how its leaders developed a deep empathy for the experiences of marginalized anti-imperialists, particularly in relation to the violence inflicted during imperialism in the Philippines. This evolving perspective underscores the complexities of the movement and its response to the injustices faced by those affected by imperialist actions.