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Book Cover
E-book
Author Walton, Matthew J

Title Contesting Buddhist narratives : democratization, nationalism, and communal violence in Myanmar
Published Honolulu, HI : East-West Center, 2014

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Description 1 online resource (xii, 65 pages)
Series Policy studies, 1547-1349 ; 71
Policy studies (East-West Center) ; 71
Summary 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
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 57-65)
Notes Print version record
Subject Democratization -- Burma
Democracy -- Burma -- Religious aspects
Buddhists -- Burma
Muslims -- Burma.
Ethnic conflict -- Burma -- Religious aspects
Buddhists
Democracy -- Religious aspects
Democratization
Ethnic conflict -- Religious aspects
Muslims
Burma
Form Electronic book
Author Hayward, Susan
East-West Center.
ISBN 9780866382526
0866382526
9780866382533
0866382534