In November 2010 Burma held its general elections which, while derided for their irregularities at the time, have since been seen as a turning point.

Four months later the nation’s military junta dissolved after 23 years in power. Famed dissident Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest for 15 out of the previous 21 years, was released and more than 200 political prisoners granted amnesty. Restrictions on political activity, labor protests and press freedom were relaxed.

And it appeared that a U.S.-led endeavor to reach out to Burma had succeeded, as Burma formally renounced its arms dealings