Cold War and Social Protection in Burma and Malaysia

This chapter scrutinizes the political grounds behind the implementation of social security reforms in Burma and Malaysia between 1945 and 1960. It delves into the interrelations between Western and local actors to secure the institutions of the newly independent states and dependent territories. It argues that the Cold War and the spread of pro-Communist movements at regional level affected the political considerations of national and international policy-makers, and prompted social security programs in both countries. The study focuses on the action of Great Britain, the US, the International Labour Office and the national elites in Burma and Malaysia. Albeit each actor pursued its own political agenda, they all used social security to advance a program of modernization, international economic collaboration and social enhancement. They aimed to legitimize state institutions and stabilize socio-political relations. The conclusions open up new possible research avenues and more systematic studies on this subject.