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Buddhist Nationalisms in South-East Asia: Implications for Plural Societies
Dr Rafal Stepien Assistant Professor and Coordinator of MSc (Asian Studies) Programme
Dr Rafal Stepien
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This project aims to understand the dynamics of both religiously inspired violence and peaceful coexistence on the part of Buddhists vis-à-vis perceived religious others in South East Asia. On this twin basis, the project seeks to draft specific policy-relevant recommendations aimed at preventing and, if and when needed, countering religiously informed extremist nationalism in Singapore. In light of recent history and ongoing events, four national contexts in the region have been identified as of especial relevance to Singaporean concerns: Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. For each context, study will be undertaken of the textual supports used in support of violence and/or peaceful coexistence. Fieldwork will also be undertaken so as both to construct a network of contacts in the region with whom to collaborate into the foreseeable future, and to conduct empirically-based data-gathering regarding the Buddhist sources used in support of interreligious violence and/or peace.
| Theme: | Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Non-Traditional Security / Religion in Contemporary Society / Singapore and Homeland Security |
| Region: | Southeast Asia and ASEAN |
| Entity: | SRP |
