Learning the art of democracy? Continuity and change in the Tibetan government-in-exile

Abstract

This paper examines the transformation of the Tibetan government-in-exile through democratisation. The issues addressed include: the extent to which the development of Tibetan democracy is connected with the Tibetan independence struggle; the reasons behind the process; how far the development of democracy is directed toward the achievement of international legitimacy; and whether the aim of Tibetan democratisation is to ensure a smooth transition period after the death (or retirement from political life) of the present Dalai Lama. Answers to these issues benefit from consideration of the parallels between Tibetan democratisation and the Weberian concept of the routinisation of charismatic authority. Conclusions as to the nature of Tibetan democracy vary, although it is clear that the Tibetan concept of democracy is radically different from that of the west. This analysis of Tibetan democracy-in-exile finds many obstacles to full democratisation, including: a lack of competitive elections for the leadership; an absence of political parties in the Tibetan government-in-exile; the conflict of the religious and political roles of the Dalai Lama; a lack of formal opposition; and an unwillingness to embrace diversity within the Tibetan community in exile for fear of harming unity.