birth rates among Muslims (which mainly occur in poorer families) and Buddhist conversion to Islam in interfaith marriages.54 Fear that Muslims are threatening the future of Buddhism makes the Buddhist populations increasingly receptive to antiMuslim agitation from Wirathu, the 969 movement, and Ma Ba Tha. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and the NLD use peaceful methods of protest to show society that non-violence is possible, and to prevent further conflict. Suu Kyi is one of the most famous politicians in Myanmar, therefore her ‘resources’ would be her popularity (though, as noted earlier she has been criticized for both supporting Muslims from some citizens, and for not supporting Muslims by others). Regarding Levinger’s second point, Suu Kyi has been motivated by religion, though the NLD has had a clear policy not to mix politics and religion.55 In Letters from Burma (2010) she describes how her political work and non-violent approach to conflict has been strengthened by teachings of members from the Sanga.56 While Buddhism can be used by Wirathu and Ma Ba Tha to promote their political agenda, the teachings of Buddhism can also promote a non-violent and tolerant approach towards minorities. Additionally, though Wirathu may not be considered by many as a true adherent to the Buddhist faith, it is still through the religion that he channels his hate and uses it to mobilise his supporters. There are many factors that drive conflict and it is rarely the case that one, such as religion, would be singled out as the lone cause of a conflict. In Religion, Violence and Conflict Resolution (2002) Gopin argues that even if the motives for conflict are economic disenfranchisement, injustice and inequality, the revolt against the status quo may in fact express itself in religious terms.57 As I mentioned earlier, the way in which the Rakhine state have been economically exploited and culturally discriminated has heightened tensions between the Rakhine Buddhist and 54 Nilsen, (2015). 55 Network Myanmar, (2015) ‘NLD, Ma Ba Tha in war of words over campaign claims’, http://www.networkmyanmar.org/index.php/politics/national-league-for-democracy [November 2015]. 56 Suu Kyi, A. S., (2010) Letters from Burma, Penguin, p.160. 57 Gopin, (2002) p.2. - 27 -