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Until the World Shatters: Truth, Lies, and the Looting of Myanmar
This first in-depth piece of reportage about the largest natural resource heist in Asia reveals Myanmar’s world of secret-keepers and truth-tellers.
In Myanmar, where civil war, repressive government, and the $40 billion a year jade industry have shaped life for decades, everyone is fighting for their own version of the truth. Until the World Shatters, takes us deep into a world in which journalists seek to overcome censorship and intimidation, ethnic minorities wage guerilla war against a government they claim refuses to grant basic human rights; devout Buddhists launch violent anti-Muslim campaigns; and artists try to build their own havens of free expression.
In the bustling city of Yangon we meet Phoe Wa, a young photojournalist pursuing his dream at a time when the government is jailing reporters and nationalist voices are on the rise. In Myanmar’s far north, we meet Bum Tsit who is caught between the insurgent army his family supports and the business and military leaders his career depends on. His attempt to get rich quickly leads him to Myanmar’s biggest, worst kept secret: the connection between the jade industry and the longest running war in the world.
Until the World Shatters weaves Phoe Wa and Bum Tsit’s stories to reveal a larger portrait of Myanmar’s history, politics, and people in a time and place where public trust has disappeared.
In Myanmar, where civil war, repressive government, and the $40 billion a year jade industry have shaped life for decades, everyone is fighting for their own version of the truth. Until the World Shatters, takes us deep into a world in which journalists seek to overcome censorship and intimidation, ethnic minorities wage guerilla war against a government they claim refuses to grant basic human rights; devout Buddhists launch violent anti-Muslim campaigns; and artists try to build their own havens of free expression.
In the bustling city of Yangon we meet Phoe Wa, a young photojournalist pursuing his dream at a time when the government is jailing reporters and nationalist voices are on the rise. In Myanmar’s far north, we meet Bum Tsit who is caught between the insurgent army his family supports and the business and military leaders his career depends on. His attempt to get rich quickly leads him to Myanmar’s biggest, worst kept secret: the connection between the jade industry and the longest running war in the world.
Until the World Shatters weaves Phoe Wa and Bum Tsit’s stories to reveal a larger portrait of Myanmar’s history, politics, and people in a time and place where public trust has disappeared.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
400 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 21, 2021
Myanmar is still not a well-known country; after decades of isolation, only recently it is becoming more accessible for journalists. In the time when the bloody pacification of street protests in Yangon once again is on the headlines all over the world, it is important to better understand this region of Asia. And you won't find a better guide than the author of this book.
Daniel Combs has all of the greatest virtues of a foreign correspondent: an eye for details (a policeman dropping to his knees in front of a young Buddhist monk in the middle of a busy Yangon street; rolling explosions of Kanchin civil war that don't bother VIP golfers from both sides of the conflict; a man selling Hello Kitty balloons at punk rock concert in a provincial city), humility, leading him to give the voice of local people instead of passing subjective views, and insatiable curiosity. His writing is clear and engaging. He reminds me of one of my favorite authors, Peter Hessler.
A great example of non-fiction, highly recommended to anyone interested in international issues.
Thanks to the publisher, Melville House Publishing, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.
Daniel Combs has all of the greatest virtues of a foreign correspondent: an eye for details (a policeman dropping to his knees in front of a young Buddhist monk in the middle of a busy Yangon street; rolling explosions of Kanchin civil war that don't bother VIP golfers from both sides of the conflict; a man selling Hello Kitty balloons at punk rock concert in a provincial city), humility, leading him to give the voice of local people instead of passing subjective views, and insatiable curiosity. His writing is clear and engaging. He reminds me of one of my favorite authors, Peter Hessler.
A great example of non-fiction, highly recommended to anyone interested in international issues.
Thanks to the publisher, Melville House Publishing, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.
February 23, 2021
In a world which is rapidly changing due to industrialization and technological advancements, Myanmar is no exception. Daniel Combs writes with addictive descriptions and summarizes nuanced and complicated situations clearly for a Western audience. Until the Earth Shatters: Truth, Lies, and the Looting of Myanmar is a must read for nonfiction published in 2021.
If you were to ask Americans about the sociopolitical issues taking root in Myanmar, only a few would be able to tell you. In American news outlets, its common for the only issues in the East to get coverage is China. While Until the Earth Shatters also discusses how China has affected the quality of life for Myanmar citizens, Until the Earth Shatters is undoubtedly about the Myanmar people. Combs interviews citizens from cities and rural areas alike, and follows them so readers can develop a deeper understanding of how they live their lives. Each person Combs focuses on adds a new and sharper angle to the book, which at times reads like one large news feature itself (rather than a dense historical text). Seeing how residents respond (and largely support) the Rohingya genocide as a means to protect their own Buddhist identity was especially eye-opening. It was interesting to take American stereotypes of Buddhism ( a peaceful monk focused on individual enlightenment) and juxtapose them with the reality that Buddhism is just another religion which can be used to push political messages and beliefs. Previous to reading Until the Earth Shatters, I had never considered where jade exports largely come from. To have a view into the illegal jade industry in Myanmar allowed me to think more deeply about a nation that was previously rich and fertile, turned into a country which even its own citizens must exploit in order to survive. In this piece, we learn that it is both the Myanmar government's constant development and war struggles as well as China's agricultural practices at the border which are to blame for a pristine country to spoil. While there are half-hearted attempts to revitalize areas in spiritual ways angled towards global tourism and news media output, at the end of the book the reader is left with the feeling half-truths will be unable to solve the crises affecting Myanmar's people.
At the end of the book, Daniel Combs acknowledges that as an outsider, there is nuance missing from his nonfiction book that could be added had its writer been Burmese. He discusses the difficulties he had interviewing people who weren't men and people from certain geographic locations. For its faults, Combs also provides a vast amount of further reading opportunities and a bibliography which supports Combs own observations. For a first step into understanding the current sociopolitical, economic, and religious events impacting Myanmar currently, Until the Earth Shatters is brilliantly executed and highly recommended.
If you were to ask Americans about the sociopolitical issues taking root in Myanmar, only a few would be able to tell you. In American news outlets, its common for the only issues in the East to get coverage is China. While Until the Earth Shatters also discusses how China has affected the quality of life for Myanmar citizens, Until the Earth Shatters is undoubtedly about the Myanmar people. Combs interviews citizens from cities and rural areas alike, and follows them so readers can develop a deeper understanding of how they live their lives. Each person Combs focuses on adds a new and sharper angle to the book, which at times reads like one large news feature itself (rather than a dense historical text). Seeing how residents respond (and largely support) the Rohingya genocide as a means to protect their own Buddhist identity was especially eye-opening. It was interesting to take American stereotypes of Buddhism ( a peaceful monk focused on individual enlightenment) and juxtapose them with the reality that Buddhism is just another religion which can be used to push political messages and beliefs. Previous to reading Until the Earth Shatters, I had never considered where jade exports largely come from. To have a view into the illegal jade industry in Myanmar allowed me to think more deeply about a nation that was previously rich and fertile, turned into a country which even its own citizens must exploit in order to survive. In this piece, we learn that it is both the Myanmar government's constant development and war struggles as well as China's agricultural practices at the border which are to blame for a pristine country to spoil. While there are half-hearted attempts to revitalize areas in spiritual ways angled towards global tourism and news media output, at the end of the book the reader is left with the feeling half-truths will be unable to solve the crises affecting Myanmar's people.
At the end of the book, Daniel Combs acknowledges that as an outsider, there is nuance missing from his nonfiction book that could be added had its writer been Burmese. He discusses the difficulties he had interviewing people who weren't men and people from certain geographic locations. For its faults, Combs also provides a vast amount of further reading opportunities and a bibliography which supports Combs own observations. For a first step into understanding the current sociopolitical, economic, and religious events impacting Myanmar currently, Until the Earth Shatters is brilliantly executed and highly recommended.
August 13, 2021
we got it. the country is totally corrupt.
June 3, 2022
Military coups,poverty, the longest running internal strifes in the world and a myriad of ensuing challenges are plaguing Myanmar since it gained independence in 1948.
While this book touches on many of these topics, the major focus of it is on the extractive industry of Myanmar. The state of Kachin in the northern part of Myanmar has been the bone of contention between its inhabitants - the Kachins, an ethinic group seeking autonomy from the central government - and the Tatmadaw as what the Myanmar armed forces are called. Little known is the fact ,at least to the outside world,that Kachinland has the biggest deposits of Jade, the green stone used in jewellery, in the world.If numbers are to be believed Myanmar's Jade market is doing business of approximately $40 billion per year. With this much bucks at stake, a probe into who the real beneficiaries are reveal the tell tale signs of resource exploitation,behind the scenes collusion of the unlikeliest of adversaries (top brass of Tatmadaw and Kachin Independence Army aka KIA) to keep the war going to benefit their respective businesses, the oft-repeated consequences of all these - uneven wealth distribution, incessant war, the trampling of the poor, rapes, lost lives, the ever increasing internally displaced persons (IDP) and many more.
Other topics discussed in the book, though in lesser details, are the Tatmadaw sponsored violence against the minorities in the state of Rakhine leading to the Rohingya exodus and the censorship on the press.
All in all this was an enlightening read.
While this book touches on many of these topics, the major focus of it is on the extractive industry of Myanmar. The state of Kachin in the northern part of Myanmar has been the bone of contention between its inhabitants - the Kachins, an ethinic group seeking autonomy from the central government - and the Tatmadaw as what the Myanmar armed forces are called. Little known is the fact ,at least to the outside world,that Kachinland has the biggest deposits of Jade, the green stone used in jewellery, in the world.If numbers are to be believed Myanmar's Jade market is doing business of approximately $40 billion per year. With this much bucks at stake, a probe into who the real beneficiaries are reveal the tell tale signs of resource exploitation,behind the scenes collusion of the unlikeliest of adversaries (top brass of Tatmadaw and Kachin Independence Army aka KIA) to keep the war going to benefit their respective businesses, the oft-repeated consequences of all these - uneven wealth distribution, incessant war, the trampling of the poor, rapes, lost lives, the ever increasing internally displaced persons (IDP) and many more.
Other topics discussed in the book, though in lesser details, are the Tatmadaw sponsored violence against the minorities in the state of Rakhine leading to the Rohingya exodus and the censorship on the press.
All in all this was an enlightening read.
December 24, 2021
Until the World Shatters focuses on a wide range of issues in Myanmar. From the illegal Jade trade, the Kachin conflict and the Rohingya persecution. This book pivots between two main people Phoe Wa and Bum Tsit. Phoe Wa is a photo journalist who sees other journalists around him being persecuted and arrested but still tries to air the truth about what is happening despite the risk. Bum Tsit is a jade trader and politician whose ties with the Kachin lead him into Jade smuggling and away from politics. This book does do a fair bit of meandering and also at times seems like a travel journal for the author. The story is captivating and well written with a very personal narrative and although there were times I wanted him to stay on topic I found his meanderings informative and a great look into the culture. Overall very informative on a topic not often discussed of one of the longest running wars in history.
May 31, 2025
Excellent! I wanted to know more about Myanmar beyond the 2021 coup and the Rohingya genocide.
This book does a good job introducing the country in a modern context, and how the ongoing civil war is rooted in British colonialism. One of the book’s main focuses is the jade industry in Myanmar’s far north Kachin State, and how the ruling military and main rebel group’s leaders more or less see the war as an opportunity to line their own pockets via jade smuggling.
The other main focus is on a young photojournalist who works his way up from unpaid intern to paid reporter for on of Yangon’s major newspapers. He’s kind of a quiet force of nature, a young man whose talent, humility, and innate likability combine to help him live his dream.
At the end, the author gives recommendations for further reading on the country, many of which I’ve added to my want-to-read list.
Highly recommended!
This book does a good job introducing the country in a modern context, and how the ongoing civil war is rooted in British colonialism. One of the book’s main focuses is the jade industry in Myanmar’s far north Kachin State, and how the ruling military and main rebel group’s leaders more or less see the war as an opportunity to line their own pockets via jade smuggling.
The other main focus is on a young photojournalist who works his way up from unpaid intern to paid reporter for on of Yangon’s major newspapers. He’s kind of a quiet force of nature, a young man whose talent, humility, and innate likability combine to help him live his dream.
At the end, the author gives recommendations for further reading on the country, many of which I’ve added to my want-to-read list.
Highly recommended!
November 26, 2021
I received a copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.
This is an interesting book that was around 3.5 stars for me.
While repetitive at times, it's surprisingly thorough and is a helpful look at sorting through some of the politics that have shaped Myanmar/Burma. There's thorough explanations and backgrounds as well as stories from people who live there. As someone who is unfamiliar with the area this book makes me feel like I have a better picture now of what's happening. That being said, I also take it with a grain of salt given how it differs from people I know who have lived or worked there and at the end of the day this book is assembled and written by someone with an outsiders view of politics.
Overall an informative book.
This is an interesting book that was around 3.5 stars for me.
While repetitive at times, it's surprisingly thorough and is a helpful look at sorting through some of the politics that have shaped Myanmar/Burma. There's thorough explanations and backgrounds as well as stories from people who live there. As someone who is unfamiliar with the area this book makes me feel like I have a better picture now of what's happening. That being said, I also take it with a grain of salt given how it differs from people I know who have lived or worked there and at the end of the day this book is assembled and written by someone with an outsiders view of politics.
Overall an informative book.
May 6, 2021
I enjoyed looking at Myanmar through Combs’ and his Myanmar friends’ eyes. It provided me with a deeper understanding of how the current political situation came about in Myanmar - not surprising with many unresolved political economic and social issues. It also broke my heart thinking about how the youth in Myanmar must really feel like their hopes and dreams were robbed from them due to the coup. The stories from the frontline of the conflict between KIA and Tatmadaw, and those involved in the jade industry, opened my eyes to a different world.
March 11, 2021
Like the blurb description by Bevins on the back cover, I tore through this book, knowing nothing and coming away with great compassion. The story of Myanmar is told with a mix of journalism, travelogue, diplomatic chops, and a general kindness that comes through vividly. The writing is clear and welcoming, and the author draws you (and the many unique individuals he befriends in the book) in with his openness and clarity. There are multiple perspectives told through multiple lenses - business, history, commerce, arts, individual portraits, and, of course, politics. It is fascinating to read this now, while events in Myanmar unfold in real time. One of the main characters is a photojournalist, and to see the varied photo spreads in todays' newspapers animates the stories of the book. The whole book is relatable, with import for all shifting democracies.
March 24, 2021
There are things you know, things you realize you don’t know, and things you have no idea that don’t know. This book falls into those unknown unknowns for me.
What a fascinating read about a part of the world that I knew nothing about. I had no idea that the jade trade was significant, let alone corrupt and milked by the military. Combs’ telling is lucid and compelling.
What a fascinating read about a part of the world that I knew nothing about. I had no idea that the jade trade was significant, let alone corrupt and milked by the military. Combs’ telling is lucid and compelling.
January 26, 2022
Beautiful story telling with honesty, and without moralising. Looting of Myanmar’s natural wealth by the military, China, and rebel militias is absolutely insane.
I love Myanmar dearly and this book cuts straight to my heart.
I love Myanmar dearly and this book cuts straight to my heart.
July 2, 2021
A magnificent introduction to Burma/Myanmar and its toxic politics. Let this be the one book you read about that country, if you must. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2022
Ok overview of Myanmar’s recent history from a personal perspective focusing particularly on Kachin & Rakhine. Good overview, although would have wanted to understand more on the Buddhist mentality
January 19, 2025
Stories about bad Myanmar government and the cronies are yawn inducing.
January 29, 2025
Yangon is a warren.
February 1, 2022
Devastating. I didn't know much about Myanmar before reading, but this book did an excellent job of weaving together histories of the various ethnic groups in Myanmar with the stories of the individuals the Combs had befriended in his time living there. I had no idea that Myanmar housed the most valuable jade deposits in the world, let alone that the black market for jade exerted such a huge gravitational pull on the politics of the nation. Heartbreaking how dysfunctional states like Myanmar effectively force individuals into terrible decisions, and it made me reflect on how privileged I am to have been born into a relatively free and functioning country.
Not really the Combs' fault, but there were a number of typos in the book towards the second half of the book which irked me. Minor quibble though. Highly recommend this book if you're interested in Myanmar.
Not really the Combs' fault, but there were a number of typos in the book towards the second half of the book which irked me. Minor quibble though. Highly recommend this book if you're interested in Myanmar.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews