"Democracy without discipline can incite mob rule and anarchy. "

Master of Psychological Warfare!

Than Shwe is a Burmese army general who has been the ruler of Burma (Myanmar) since 1992.

Shwe enlisted in the army at age 20 and spent several years in the Psychological Warfare department, fighting Karen rebels. By 1960 he was promoted to the rank of captain and continued a steady climb up the ranks: lieutenant colonel (1972), colonel (1978), Commander of the Military District of South West (1983), Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, brigadier-general and Vice-Minister of Defence in 1985 and then major-general in 1986.

Shwe replaced General Saw Maung on April 23, 1992 when he unexpectedly resigned for health reasons. Shwe became head of state, Secretary of Defence, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Initially Shwe was seen as a more liberal leader, and he released political prisoners. He also began the process of writing a new constitution. However, as of 2004 the new constitution was still in the committee stage. In the meantime, he has suppressed the free press in Burma and detained journalists who oppose his regime.

Shwe's government is notorious for persecution of Burma's ethnic minorities, specifically the Karen and Shan people. He began a campaign in the north of Burma to repress Muslims, forcing 250,000 people to flee to Bangladesh as refugees.

Than Shwe avoids the press and maintains a low profile. He is seen as an opponent of the democratization of Burma, and has repeatedly arrested Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese peace activist and leader of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar.

Shwe seems eager to hold on to power at any cost. When he reached the age of 60, the mandatory retirement age, he simply extended it. Many think he would like to remain the head of Burma for the rest of his life.