Religion, Secularism, and the Pursuit of Peace in Myanmar

Abstract

The military-led reform of the Myanmar state that began in approximately 2011, constituted by partial democratic reform, economic liberalization, and a newly invigorated peace process with more than 20 armed groups, has been hampered by myriad ongoing conflicts and the military’s continued hold on key pillars of power. A notable element of this environment is Buddhist nationalist rhetoric and activism, finding new forms of expression and civic mobilization in the space of democratic openings and often driving exclusionary attitudes, particularly against Myanmar’s Muslim population. This article examines how Buddhist nationalist activism might impact the peace talks and the 2020 election.