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Policy Studies an East-West Center series Series Editors Dieter Ernst and Marcus Mietzner Description Policy Studies presents original research on pressing economic and political policy challenges for governments and industry across Asia, and for the region's relations with the United States. Written for the policy and business communities, academics, journalists, and the informed public, the peer-reviewed publications in this series provide new policy insights and perspectives based on extensive fieldwork and rigorous scholarship. Policy Studies is indexed in the Web of Science Book Citation Index. The Web of Science is the largest and most comprehensive citation index available. Notes to Contributors Submissions may take the form of a proposal or complete manuscript. For more information on the Policy Studies series, please contact the Series Editors. Editors, Policy Studies East-West Center 1601 East-West Road Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96848-1601 Tel: 808.944.7197 Publications@EastWestCenter.org EastWestCenter.org/PolicyStudies

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Contesting Buddhist Narratives : Democratization, Nationalism, and Communal Violence in Myanmar

Academic Publication

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Language

English

Topic

Hate Speech
Rohingya Crisis

Author(s)

Matthew J. Walton
Susan Hayward

Date Published: Oct 24, 2014

Abstract: Myanmar'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.

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‘Contesting Buddhist Narratives- Democratization, Nationalism, and Com- munal Violence in Myanmar’.pdf
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Contesting Buddhist Narratives : Democratization, Nationalism, and Communal Violence in Myanmar

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