An asymmetric and ethno-territorial federal system represents a governance framework designed to manage entrenched conflicts within a single state. This model entails an uneven allocation of powers, granting certain constituent units distinctive political structures and greater autonomy compared to others. It also aligns internal boundaries with ethnic settlement patterns and politico-military zones, aiming to mitigate ethnic tensions and accommodate secessionist claims. Myanmar, as a multi-ethnic country with complex geography and a prolonged history of civil conflict, provides a compelling context for examining the applicability of asymmetric and ethno-territorial federalism. This single-case study utilises qualitative research methods to investigate Myanmar within the framework of an asymmetric ethno-territorial model, while proposing strategies for the design of federal institutions. The findings indicate that three conditions render Myanmar conducive to this approach: 1) a geographically and ethnographically intricate configuration; 2) a historical trajectory, notably the formative period from British colonial rule to independence in January 1948; and 3) fragmented governance arising from an extended civil war, characterised by multiple politico-military domains. The study advocates the establishment of new federal institutions and the development of a revised political map. For instance, Shan State, as the largest ethnic minority region, could form a Tribal Assembly representing its diverse ethnic subgroups, while redrawn boundaries may be necessary in areas with complex ethnic compositions and overlapping military influence, including the Palaung, Wa, and Kokang autonomous regions. Furthermore, to enhance the broader applicability of the findings, Myanmar’s federalisation model will be systematically compared with other countries through typological analysis.