Literature Review
There are a number of areas of study that this research project will draw from. These
include: conflict analysis and peacebuilding, Buddhist/Muslim relations, hate speech
and its consequences, and methods of intervention. The purpose of this literature
review is to give an overview of the relevant data that contributed to my study.
Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding:
To assist my conflict assessment in chapter one I have used Levinger Conflict analysis:
understanding causes, unlocking solutions (2013). I limited my use to the four-step
assessment process to give chapter one (An Assessment of Conflict in Myanmar) the
framework to analyse the conflict in Myanmar, and map out the factors that drive
Buddhist and Muslim tensions. This text will contribute to my study as it will allow me
to deconstruct the religious conflict in Myanmar clearly, and draw conclusion about
the conflict and peace drivers, and what motivates the conflicts primary actors. This
will form the basis for my study, as a good knowledge of the conflict is necessary to
understand contextually relevant interventions.
An-Na’im’s work on transforming African culture in Cultural Transformation and
Human Rights in Africa (2002) was useful to discuss the role of culture and religion in
peacebuilding. This book will not be used extensively, but will be touched on to
reinforce ideas discussed in chapter three’s argument (Approaches to Combatting
Online Hate Speech) for the integration of religion within peacebuilding initiatives. AnNa’im suggests that religious beliefs and commitments are needed for generating the
political will to enforce legal norms and implement concrete policies.12 He advises that
we must establish a constructive relationship between religion and human rights in
order to successfully achieve a cultural transformation in which human rights become
the norm for society.
12
An-Na’im, A., (2002) Cultural Transformation and Human Rights in Africa, Zed Books: London, p.3.
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