Interreligious Conflict and the Politics of Interfaith Dialogue in Myanmar

Interreligious Conflict and the Politics of Interfaith Dialogue in Myanmar

Author: Nyi Nyi Kyaw

Publisher: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

Published: 2019-06-26

Total Pages: 30

ISBN-13: 9814843873

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Amidst successive episodes of interreligious violence in Myanmar between 2012 and 2014, interfaith dialogue emerged as a crucial conflict resolution and prevention mechanism. The 2011–16 Union Solidarity and Development Party administration often indirectly promoted the use of interfaith dialogue to defuse interreligious tensions and conflicts, though its political will was questionable. Various governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental actors have engaged in interfaith dialogue, peace, and harmony initiatives in the past seven years. The present National League for Democracy administration has more actively sought to engage in intrafaith promotion of Buddhism and in interfaith peace and harmony initiatives. Intergovernmental, international and local interfaith actors also work in the interfaith dialogue field, but their impact is relatively weak because the government remains the most important actor in Myanmar in transition. Although the National League for Democracy has largely eliminated Buddhist nationalist groups such as Ma Ba Tha, Buddhist identity politics remains influential after the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army’s attacks in Rakhine State in 2016 and 2017 and the consequent refugee crisis. Although extreme anti-Muslim Buddhist identity politics may not see a resurgence in the approach to the 2020 general elections, it may come back in more nuanced forms. Interfaith dialogue and other training and activities for interreligious peace and harmony will thus remain relevant to the political scene.


Book Synopsis Interreligious Conflict and the Politics of Interfaith Dialogue in Myanmar by : Nyi Nyi Kyaw

Download or read book Interreligious Conflict and the Politics of Interfaith Dialogue in Myanmar written by Nyi Nyi Kyaw and published by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. This book was released on 2019-06-26 with total page 30 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Amidst successive episodes of interreligious violence in Myanmar between 2012 and 2014, interfaith dialogue emerged as a crucial conflict resolution and prevention mechanism. The 2011–16 Union Solidarity and Development Party administration often indirectly promoted the use of interfaith dialogue to defuse interreligious tensions and conflicts, though its political will was questionable. Various governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental actors have engaged in interfaith dialogue, peace, and harmony initiatives in the past seven years. The present National League for Democracy administration has more actively sought to engage in intrafaith promotion of Buddhism and in interfaith peace and harmony initiatives. Intergovernmental, international and local interfaith actors also work in the interfaith dialogue field, but their impact is relatively weak because the government remains the most important actor in Myanmar in transition. Although the National League for Democracy has largely eliminated Buddhist nationalist groups such as Ma Ba Tha, Buddhist identity politics remains influential after the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army’s attacks in Rakhine State in 2016 and 2017 and the consequent refugee crisis. Although extreme anti-Muslim Buddhist identity politics may not see a resurgence in the approach to the 2020 general elections, it may come back in more nuanced forms. Interfaith dialogue and other training and activities for interreligious peace and harmony will thus remain relevant to the political scene.

Ethnic and Religious Diversity in Myanmar

Ethnic and Religious Diversity in Myanmar

Author: Samuel Ngun Ling

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 9781350187436

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"The most comprehensive collection on Myanmar's identity politics to date, this volume discusses the entanglement of ethnic and religious identities in Myanmar and the challenges presented by its extensive ethnic-religious diversity. Religious and ethnic conjunctions are treated from historical, political, religious and ethnic minority perspectives through both case studies and overview chapters. The book addresses the thorny issue of Buddhist supremacy, Burmese nationalism, ethnic-religious hierarchy along with reflections on Buddhist, Christian and Muslim communities. Bringing together international scholars and Burmese scholars, this book combines the perspectives of academic observers with those of political activists and religious leaders from different faiths. Through the breadth of its disciplinary approach, its focus on identity issues and its inclusion of insider and outsider perspectives, this book provides new insights into the complex religious situation of Myanmar."--


Book Synopsis Ethnic and Religious Diversity in Myanmar by : Samuel Ngun Ling

Download or read book Ethnic and Religious Diversity in Myanmar written by Samuel Ngun Ling and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The most comprehensive collection on Myanmar's identity politics to date, this volume discusses the entanglement of ethnic and religious identities in Myanmar and the challenges presented by its extensive ethnic-religious diversity. Religious and ethnic conjunctions are treated from historical, political, religious and ethnic minority perspectives through both case studies and overview chapters. The book addresses the thorny issue of Buddhist supremacy, Burmese nationalism, ethnic-religious hierarchy along with reflections on Buddhist, Christian and Muslim communities. Bringing together international scholars and Burmese scholars, this book combines the perspectives of academic observers with those of political activists and religious leaders from different faiths. Through the breadth of its disciplinary approach, its focus on identity issues and its inclusion of insider and outsider perspectives, this book provides new insights into the complex religious situation of Myanmar."--

Islam and the State in Myanmar

Islam and the State in Myanmar

Author: Melissa Crouch

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 345

ISBN-13: 9780199086979

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This volume explores relations between Islam and Buddhism and the state in Myanmar, offering an informed response to contemporary issues facing the Muslim communities there.


Book Synopsis Islam and the State in Myanmar by : Melissa Crouch

Download or read book Islam and the State in Myanmar written by Melissa Crouch and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 345 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume explores relations between Islam and Buddhism and the state in Myanmar, offering an informed response to contemporary issues facing the Muslim communities there.

Evaluating Interreligious Peacebuilding and Dialogue

Evaluating Interreligious Peacebuilding and Dialogue

Author: Mohammed Abu-Nimer

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2021-09-20

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 3110624621

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In the emerging fields of religious and interreligious peacebuilding, the question of monitoring and evaluation is a challenging, yet necessary process. The need to develop comprehensive yet fitting evaluation models for religious and interreligious peacebuilding is not only important for donor interests, but also critical as a means of documenting and learning for peacebuilders themselves. Theories and best practices in monitoring and evaluation have become prevalent in many fields, yet the amount of literature on evaluating intercultural and, especially, religious and interreligious projects remains scant in comparison. This volume offers a unique contribution that not only looks at several of the challenges and implications faced by religious and interreligious peacebuilders but also provides concrete examples of new models and tools for monitoring and evaluating religious and interreligious peacebuilding projects. In doing so, this volume serves as a tool and point of reference for individuals and organizations developing and implementing interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding projects.


Book Synopsis Evaluating Interreligious Peacebuilding and Dialogue by : Mohammed Abu-Nimer

Download or read book Evaluating Interreligious Peacebuilding and Dialogue written by Mohammed Abu-Nimer and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2021-09-20 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the emerging fields of religious and interreligious peacebuilding, the question of monitoring and evaluation is a challenging, yet necessary process. The need to develop comprehensive yet fitting evaluation models for religious and interreligious peacebuilding is not only important for donor interests, but also critical as a means of documenting and learning for peacebuilders themselves. Theories and best practices in monitoring and evaluation have become prevalent in many fields, yet the amount of literature on evaluating intercultural and, especially, religious and interreligious projects remains scant in comparison. This volume offers a unique contribution that not only looks at several of the challenges and implications faced by religious and interreligious peacebuilders but also provides concrete examples of new models and tools for monitoring and evaluating religious and interreligious peacebuilding projects. In doing so, this volume serves as a tool and point of reference for individuals and organizations developing and implementing interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding projects.

The Significance of Everyday Access to Justice in Myanmar’s Transition to Democracy

The Significance of Everyday Access to Justice in Myanmar’s Transition to Democracy

Author: Helene Maria Kyed

Publisher: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

Published: 2019-06-13

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9814843857

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Legal pluralism in Myanmar is a reality that is not sufficiently recognized. A lack of recognition of and clear mandates for the informal justice providers, along with the absence of coordination between these providers and the judiciary, present critical challenges to local dispute resolution and informal legal systems. This results in a high level of unpredictability and insecurity concerning the justice outcomes and in the underreporting of cases. The lack of jurisdictional clarity represents an even greater challenge in areas of mixed control and where numerous armed actors are present. Discussion of reform of the justice sector in Myanmar and debates surrounding peace negotiations and the role of the ethnic armed groups in service provision are separated. This situation reinforces the divide between ceasefire areas and the rest of the country and raises concern that the improvement of justice systems will leave conflict-affected populations behind. Recognition of and support for community-based dispute resolution are crucial to reducing the escalation of conflict at the local level. Justice systems like those of ethnic armed groups can contribute significantly to stability and order at times when the official system has limited territorial reach and is mistrusted by civilians.


Book Synopsis The Significance of Everyday Access to Justice in Myanmar’s Transition to Democracy by : Helene Maria Kyed

Download or read book The Significance of Everyday Access to Justice in Myanmar’s Transition to Democracy written by Helene Maria Kyed and published by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. This book was released on 2019-06-13 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Legal pluralism in Myanmar is a reality that is not sufficiently recognized. A lack of recognition of and clear mandates for the informal justice providers, along with the absence of coordination between these providers and the judiciary, present critical challenges to local dispute resolution and informal legal systems. This results in a high level of unpredictability and insecurity concerning the justice outcomes and in the underreporting of cases. The lack of jurisdictional clarity represents an even greater challenge in areas of mixed control and where numerous armed actors are present. Discussion of reform of the justice sector in Myanmar and debates surrounding peace negotiations and the role of the ethnic armed groups in service provision are separated. This situation reinforces the divide between ceasefire areas and the rest of the country and raises concern that the improvement of justice systems will leave conflict-affected populations behind. Recognition of and support for community-based dispute resolution are crucial to reducing the escalation of conflict at the local level. Justice systems like those of ethnic armed groups can contribute significantly to stability and order at times when the official system has limited territorial reach and is mistrusted by civilians.

Myanmar (Burma) since the 1988 Uprising

Myanmar (Burma) since the 1988 Uprising

Author: Andrew Selth

Publisher: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

Published: 2022-01-24

Total Pages: 370

ISBN-13: 9814951781

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Updated by popular demand, this is the fourth edition of this important bibliography. It lists a wide selection of works on or about Myanmar published in English and in hard copy since the 1988 pro-democracy uprising, which marked the beginning of a new era in Myanmar’s modern history. There are now 2,727 titles listed. They have been written, edited, translated or compiled by over 2,000 people, from many different backgrounds. These works have been organized into thirty-five subject chapters containing ninety-five discrete sections. There are also four appendices, including a comprehensive reading guide for those unfamiliar with Myanmar or who may be seeking guidance on particular topics. This book is an invaluable aid to officials, scholars, journalists, armchair travellers and others with an interest in this fascinating but deeply troubled country.


Book Synopsis Myanmar (Burma) since the 1988 Uprising by : Andrew Selth

Download or read book Myanmar (Burma) since the 1988 Uprising written by Andrew Selth and published by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. This book was released on 2022-01-24 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Updated by popular demand, this is the fourth edition of this important bibliography. It lists a wide selection of works on or about Myanmar published in English and in hard copy since the 1988 pro-democracy uprising, which marked the beginning of a new era in Myanmar’s modern history. There are now 2,727 titles listed. They have been written, edited, translated or compiled by over 2,000 people, from many different backgrounds. These works have been organized into thirty-five subject chapters containing ninety-five discrete sections. There are also four appendices, including a comprehensive reading guide for those unfamiliar with Myanmar or who may be seeking guidance on particular topics. This book is an invaluable aid to officials, scholars, journalists, armchair travellers and others with an interest in this fascinating but deeply troubled country.

Contesting Buddhist Narratives

Contesting Buddhist Narratives

Author: Matthew J. Walton

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 65

ISBN-13: 9780866382533

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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.--Résumé de l'éditeur.


Book Synopsis Contesting Buddhist Narratives by : Matthew J. Walton

Download or read book Contesting Buddhist Narratives written by Matthew J. Walton and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 65 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.--Résumé de l'éditeur.

Teaching for Peace and Social Justice in Myanmar

Teaching for Peace and Social Justice in Myanmar

Author: Mary Shepard Wong

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2022-06-02

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1350184098

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Bringing together scholars and educators based in Myanmar, the USA, the UK, Denmark, and Thailand, this book presents new perspectives and research on the struggle for social justice and peace in Myanmar at this critical juncture. It shows how actors from diverse backgrounds and regions of Myanmar are drawing from their identities, evoking their agency, and using critical pedagogy to advance social justice and peace. The chapters provide the compelling life stories of the authors, specific examples of what they are doing, and insights of how their work might be applied to other contexts. The topics discussed include addressing structural violence, peace curriculum development, identity-based conflict, teaching the history of the country, promoting inclusion, civic education, critical pedagogy, teacher agency, and agendas of research funding for peacebuilding. The foreword and afterword, written by well-known scholars of Myanmar, address the relevance and importance of the book vis-a-vis the current social and political crisis following the February 2021 military coup.


Book Synopsis Teaching for Peace and Social Justice in Myanmar by : Mary Shepard Wong

Download or read book Teaching for Peace and Social Justice in Myanmar written by Mary Shepard Wong and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2022-06-02 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bringing together scholars and educators based in Myanmar, the USA, the UK, Denmark, and Thailand, this book presents new perspectives and research on the struggle for social justice and peace in Myanmar at this critical juncture. It shows how actors from diverse backgrounds and regions of Myanmar are drawing from their identities, evoking their agency, and using critical pedagogy to advance social justice and peace. The chapters provide the compelling life stories of the authors, specific examples of what they are doing, and insights of how their work might be applied to other contexts. The topics discussed include addressing structural violence, peace curriculum development, identity-based conflict, teaching the history of the country, promoting inclusion, civic education, critical pedagogy, teacher agency, and agendas of research funding for peacebuilding. The foreword and afterword, written by well-known scholars of Myanmar, address the relevance and importance of the book vis-a-vis the current social and political crisis following the February 2021 military coup.

World Christianity and Interfaith Relations

World Christianity and Interfaith Relations

Author:

Publisher: Fortress Press

Published: 2022-10-25

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 150644850X

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In this landmark volume, a rich array of voices make the case that religion is not partitioned off from the secular in the Global South the way it is in the Global North. Authors work at the intersections of freedom and Nationalism, peace and reconciliation, and gender, ecology, and ethnography to contend that religion is in fact deeply integrated into the lives of those in the Global South, even though "secularism"--a political philosophy that requires the state to treat all religions equally--predominates in many of the regions. World Christianity and Interfaith Relations is part of the multi volume series World Christianity and Public Religion. The series seeks to become a platform for intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, and to facilitate opportunities for interaction between scholars across the Global South and those in other parts of the world by engaging emerging voices from a variety of indigenous Christianities around the world. The focus is not only on particular histories and practices, but also on their theological articulations and impact on the broader societies in which they work.


Book Synopsis World Christianity and Interfaith Relations by :

Download or read book World Christianity and Interfaith Relations written by and published by Fortress Press. This book was released on 2022-10-25 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this landmark volume, a rich array of voices make the case that religion is not partitioned off from the secular in the Global South the way it is in the Global North. Authors work at the intersections of freedom and Nationalism, peace and reconciliation, and gender, ecology, and ethnography to contend that religion is in fact deeply integrated into the lives of those in the Global South, even though "secularism"--a political philosophy that requires the state to treat all religions equally--predominates in many of the regions. World Christianity and Interfaith Relations is part of the multi volume series World Christianity and Public Religion. The series seeks to become a platform for intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, and to facilitate opportunities for interaction between scholars across the Global South and those in other parts of the world by engaging emerging voices from a variety of indigenous Christianities around the world. The focus is not only on particular histories and practices, but also on their theological articulations and impact on the broader societies in which they work.

Religion, Religious Groups and Migration

Religion, Religious Groups and Migration

Author: Deniz Coşan Eke

Publisher: Transnational Press London

Published: 2023-09-28

Total Pages: 163

ISBN-13: 180135121X

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The relationship between religion, religious groups, and migration is an important topic of recent social science debate. Migration affects all aspects of the lives of those who have left their homes, including facets characterized as religious. Religion and religious identity are linked to social, cultural, and political issues, including integration, identity negotiation, diasporic community formation, interreligious dialogue, and religious pluralism. On the one hand, migration can change religious cultures, rituals, and traditions through the experience of mobility and the response of the host country. On the other hand, religious groups can encourage migration. In this context, new forms of transnational interaction and organization have emerged that contribute to the reformulation of community and identity. In some cases, such changes can lead to new conflicts and even trigger religious radicalization. This edited book consists of essays that bring together various perspectives on religious groups and their migration processes in different geographical regions. The aim is to empirically analyze the discourse and practices of national and transnational religious groups while investigating the relationship of religion and migration to political, historical, cultural, and social transitions. The book brings together academics and practitioners from different countries through interdisciplinary approaches that will be of interest to a wide readership of scholars and practitioners. Contents Religion, Religious Groups and Migration. - Deniz Coşan Eke and Eric M. Trinka “The World Is Without Shelter, Without Protector”: Buddhism, the Protection of Displaced People, and International Humanitarian Law. - Christina A. Kilby Borders within Borders: Superkilen as the Site of Assimilation. - Ehsan Sheikholharam The Role of Informational Asymmetry in Interfaith Communication During Conflict: A Game Theoretical Approach. - Serdar Ş. Güner and Nukhet A. Sandal In the Intersection of Religion, Identity, and Education: The Perceptions of Sunni Muslim Parents Regarding Islam Courses in Austria. - Ece Cihan Ertem Alevism as a political-theological concept and its Representation in Austria. - Deniz Cosan Eke The Role of Interreligious Dialogue and Outreach in Building Trust and Strengthening Social Inclusion in Europe: the case of Network for Dialogue. - Amjad Saleem and Aleksandra Djuric Milovanovic “Textual Placemaking and Migration Memories in Psalm 137”. - Eric M. Trinka


Book Synopsis Religion, Religious Groups and Migration by : Deniz Coşan Eke

Download or read book Religion, Religious Groups and Migration written by Deniz Coşan Eke and published by Transnational Press London. This book was released on 2023-09-28 with total page 163 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The relationship between religion, religious groups, and migration is an important topic of recent social science debate. Migration affects all aspects of the lives of those who have left their homes, including facets characterized as religious. Religion and religious identity are linked to social, cultural, and political issues, including integration, identity negotiation, diasporic community formation, interreligious dialogue, and religious pluralism. On the one hand, migration can change religious cultures, rituals, and traditions through the experience of mobility and the response of the host country. On the other hand, religious groups can encourage migration. In this context, new forms of transnational interaction and organization have emerged that contribute to the reformulation of community and identity. In some cases, such changes can lead to new conflicts and even trigger religious radicalization. This edited book consists of essays that bring together various perspectives on religious groups and their migration processes in different geographical regions. The aim is to empirically analyze the discourse and practices of national and transnational religious groups while investigating the relationship of religion and migration to political, historical, cultural, and social transitions. The book brings together academics and practitioners from different countries through interdisciplinary approaches that will be of interest to a wide readership of scholars and practitioners. Contents Religion, Religious Groups and Migration. - Deniz Coşan Eke and Eric M. Trinka “The World Is Without Shelter, Without Protector”: Buddhism, the Protection of Displaced People, and International Humanitarian Law. - Christina A. Kilby Borders within Borders: Superkilen as the Site of Assimilation. - Ehsan Sheikholharam The Role of Informational Asymmetry in Interfaith Communication During Conflict: A Game Theoretical Approach. - Serdar Ş. Güner and Nukhet A. Sandal In the Intersection of Religion, Identity, and Education: The Perceptions of Sunni Muslim Parents Regarding Islam Courses in Austria. - Ece Cihan Ertem Alevism as a political-theological concept and its Representation in Austria. - Deniz Cosan Eke The Role of Interreligious Dialogue and Outreach in Building Trust and Strengthening Social Inclusion in Europe: the case of Network for Dialogue. - Amjad Saleem and Aleksandra Djuric Milovanovic “Textual Placemaking and Migration Memories in Psalm 137”. - Eric M. Trinka