![]() ![]() Myanmar came under British colonial rule in 1824. The roots of Buddhist nationalism go back to the country’s colonial past. ![]() In terms of religion, there is a sizable presence of Christian and Muslim minorities, but close to 90% of the population identifies as Buddhists. Its government officially recognizes 135 ethnic groups. While these groups might not be reliable allies for the military, they are a powerful force with a large grassroots base. ![]() At the same time the military drew a significant level of legitimacy from nationalism, which in Myanmar is intrinsically linked to Buddhism.Īs scholars of international relations who examine social movements, identity formation and conflict, we have studied the evolution and growth of Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar. These regimes displayed an ambivalent attitude to the country’s main religion, Buddhism – Buddhist movements, which were on the whole in opposition to military rule, were severely repressed. For almost 50 years – between 19 – the country was under successive military regimes. Myanmar’s military has held a prominent political position in the country for decades. The military’s seizure of power in Myanmar and the detention of head of government Aung San Suu Kyi is far from the first time generals in the country have interfered in national politics. ![]()
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