The scope and pace of liberalization in Myanmar since the inauguration of the "civilianized" Republic of the Union of Myanmar in March 2011 have been remarkable. These policy initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of the multicultural entity that is Myanmar. In politics, economics, governance, and social arenas, President Thein Sein has articulated a reform agenda that is constantly expanding and has publicly acknowledged societal deficiencies that have remained real but officially unacknowledged for a half-century of military-dominated rule. The state, under a military-scripted constitution overwhelmingly approved by a manipulated referendum in May 2008, has begun to move to a more pluralistic administrative system reflecting its pluralistic cultural, multi-ethnic base.