Contesting Buddhist narratives : democratization, nationalism, and communal violence in Myanmar

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dc.contributor.authorWalton, Matthew J.
dc.contributor.authorHayward, Susan
dc.date.accessioned2015-04-17T01:40:23Z
dc.date.available2015-04-17T01:40:23Z
dc.date.issued2014
dc.descriptionFor more about the East-West Center, see <a href="http://www.eastwestcenter.org/">http://www.eastwestcenter.org/</a>
dc.description.abstractMyanmar's transition to democracy has been marred by violence between Buddhists and Muslims. While the violence originally broke out between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, it subsequently emerged throughout the country, impacting Buddhists and Muslims of many ethnic backgrounds. This article offers background on these so-called "communal conflicts" and the rise and evolution of Buddhist nationalist groups led by monks that have spearheaded anti-Muslim campaigns. The authors describe how current monastic political mobilization can be understood as an extension of past monastic activism, and is rooted in traditional understandings of the monastic community's responsibility to defend the religion, respond to community needs, and guide political decision-makers. The authors propose a counter-argument rooted in Theravada Buddhism to address the underlying anxieties motivating Buddhist nationalists while directing them toward peaceful actions promoting coexistence. Additionally, given that these conflicts derive from wider political, economic, and social dilemmas, the authors offer a prescription of complementary policy initiatives.
dc.format.extentxii, 65 p.
dc.identifier.isbn9780866382526
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10125/35836
dc.language.isoen-US
dc.publisherHonolulu, HI: East-West Center
dc.relation.ispartofseriesEast-West Center (Washington, D.C.). Policy studies ; no. 71
dc.subject.lcshDemocratization - Burma
dc.subject.lcshDemocracy - Burma - Religious aspects
dc.subject.lcshBuddhists - Burma
dc.subject.lcshMuslims - Burma
dc.subject.lcshEthnic conflict - Burma - Religious aspects
dc.titleContesting Buddhist narratives : democratization, nationalism, and communal violence in Myanmar
dc.typeReport
dc.type.dcmiText

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