Abstract
Instituting democracy was one of the foremost engagements of the Dalai Lama in exile. The intricate connection drawn between democracy, the nationalist goal and the Dalai Lama gives a unique flavour to Tibetan democracy. Considered as a ‘gift’, democracy is conferred a sacred character by the Tibetan people which immunises it from the usual aspects of everyday democratic functioning of which discussion, dialogue, differences and dissent are an integral part. Drawing on theoretical concepts from the anthropological literature on democracy, gift and the public sphere, and putting them in conversation with the primary data obtained from field research, this paper first examines the complex relationship between democracy and Tibetan nationalism, and how democracy came to be constituted within a nationalist rhetoric. It then shows the characteristics of a Tibetan public sphere considered as a source of trouble within the complex web of democracy and nationalism in exile.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
