1. Lao Peoples Democratic Republic LAOS
SSG Canham, Charles
PMESII-PT Brief
22 April 2015
N/A - CEC

2. Purpose: Present a Operation Variable Analysis on the country of Laos
Purpose and Agenda
Purpose: Present a Operation Variable Analysis on the country of Laos
Agenda
Historical Background
Problem statement
Physical
Political
Military
Economy
Social
Information
Infrastructure
Key Systemic Linkages
Summary
Questions and Comments

3. Historical Background
After the 1st Indochina war Laos gained its independence, and fell under communist rule.
Laos played a major role during the Vietnam War.
Conflict with the Hmong people continue to this day.
Mekong River remains the main gateway for transportation.

4. Problem Statement
Problems existing today are due in part of a single-party communist government with poor infrastructure, Human Rights Violations by the Government and Military, and a dispute among Hydroelectric power in SE Asia.

5. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Laos though slightly larger than the state of Utah consists of rugged mountains, tropical forests, with some plains and plateaus.
Landlocked country
Tropical monsoon climate with a wet and dry season
Natural hazards include floods, droughts, blight, and earthquakes

6. Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP)
POLITICAL
Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP)
Has a Marxist-Leninist style political system.
Majority of its political party are former and key military members.
Committee for Independence and Democracy claim attacks on government buildings

7. Lao Peoples Armed Forces (LPAF)
MILITARY
Lao Peoples Armed Forces (LPAF)
Internal and Border Security are some of the main focus points.
Over 130,000 personnel among Army, Air force, and River patrol
Corruption & Human Rights Violations remain a topic of concern.

8. Laos’ economy is currently growing at about 8% a year.
Natural Resources include Hydropower, Timber, Gold
Farming styles of Agriculture/ Wet field-paddy vs. Slash and burn systems
Hydropower is a primary export to neighboring countries.

9. SOCIAL
Laos has a population of over six and a half million people, but has one of the lowest population densities in Asia.
Conflicts continue amongst the Hmong people.
Lao is their official language and Holidays are observed.
Theravada Buddhism & Animism make up the country's religion.

10. INFORMATION
Laos’ government has a poor ability to inform its citizens, and the Lao government controls all media channels to prevent critique of its actions
Consequence of critique include disappearance, arrests, and torture.
Radiotelephone is primary communication to rural areas.
Cell phones in urban areas are a rapidly growing form of communication.

11. The infrastructure of Laos remains poor and underdeveloped.
Unpaved roads make it almost impossible to access remote regions and villages year-round.
Overstretched healthcare workforce unable to treat citizens.
Mekong River provides Laos with large water resources despite being a landlocked country.

12. TIME
Laos has been victim of many wars that have been fought within the borders of its country.
The U.S secret war in Laos.
UXO’s still impact life in Laos to this day.
Laos currently has no direct outside threats.

13. Key Systemic Linkages
Communist ruled country that censors all media channels and continues human rights violations.
Poor infrastructure limits ability of healthcare and information.
Growing economy in hydropower that benefits some bordering countries more than others.

14. Summary
What we know
communist rule, weak infrastructure
What we think we know
Extent of HRV and corruption
What we don’t know
Statistics on remote villages , exact amount of UXO’s
Conclusion
Initiate and continue partnership with bordering countries and allies to maintain direction of NSS

15. Questions and Comments