Description:
"This article aims to explore the historical development of Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar, and
the way it has been politicized by the state. According to the study, political legitimacy has been
constructed by the revival of Buddhist nationalism in two ways. First, it is through policy implementation
and legislation of religious protection laws, which declare Buddhism’s superiority in Myanmar and to
segregate as well as discriminate against non-Buddhists in the conduct of their daily lives. The state uses
state authorities, including an unelected civilian government and National Legislative Assembly, with retired
soldiers and representatives from the tatmadaw (the military) as members, to function in this process.
Second, the state supports civilian movements to stage activities and to stimulate nationalist sentiments
among the Buddhists. The state uses Buddhist nationalist movements that include monks and laypeople
as the main actors for mass mobilization in accordance with policy and legislation. Unlike dictatorial rule,
these two elements adjust the relationship between state and religion such that the old elites could retain
its power. Furthermore, the state chooses to restore Buddhist nationalism through Islamophobia and
historical memory about Rohingya Muslims in order to bring out the significance of the regime. In
addition, Buddhist nationalism builds the political legitimacy of this semi-authoritarian government in order
that it could retain power despite democratic transition, and contributes to its popularity for upcoming
elections in the near future..."
Source/publisher:
Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)
Date of Publication:
2017-05-26
Date of entry:
2021-03-02
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Countries:
Myanmar
Language:
English, Thai
Local URL:
Format:
pdf
Size:
178.13 KB
Resource Type:
text
Text quality:
- Good