966: Patrick Winn | Wa State: When a Drug Cartel Becomes a Country

CIA Involvement

The political landscape of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is fraught with complexities. Patrick Winn explains the significance of the name change and its political implications, highlighting the ongoing revolution and the regime's controversial history 1. The CIA's involvement in Wa State has shifted over time, from initial support during the Cold War to now targeting the region. Meanwhile, China supplies Wa State with sophisticated weaponry, creating a stark contrast to the U.S. approach of dismantling cartels 2.

The CIA has not been entangled with propping up any Wa people since the Cold War. Since they founded their nation state, they've more or less been targets of the CIA.

--- Patrick Winn

This dynamic underscores the geopolitical intricacies surrounding Wa State's existence.

   

China Relations

Wa State's relationship with China is both strategic and complex. Patrick Winn describes how Chinese casinos in the region cater primarily to mainland Chinese visitors, reflecting a unique gambling culture 3. Despite its reputation, Wa State is surprisingly stable compared to the rest of Myanmar, with a significant presence on Chinese social media platforms like TikTok 4.

The United Wa State Army has a lot of female soldiers. When you think of a narco warrior, few people imagine a small Asian woman.

--- Patrick Winn

This stability and cultural integration highlight the nuanced relationship between Wa State and China.