"Infidels Among Us": The Rise of Buddhist Nationalism in Sri Lanka and Myanmar Through State and Local Movement
Abstract
Social movement theory typically helps us understand how and why civil and uncivil society groups strive to create social and political change, facing off against governments opposed to change. What if social movements also include ethno-religious groups that represent the more extreme aspects of ethno-nationalism when supported by their government's policies and powerful political parties? This thesis identifies this gap in the literature and argues that some social movements work with government officials when their interests match. It examines two specific Buddhist nationalist groups within Myanmar and Sri Lanka from 2009-2019 that have had a negative influence on democratic processes by targeting Muslim minorities with impunity, namely Ma Ba Tha (MBT) and Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), respectively. Both groups allow for political intrusion through comingling state and nonstate resources, shared narrative framing focused on Muslim minorities as existential threats, extensive use of social media platforms, and the circumvention of democratic and judicial processes which could have protected Muslims in both countries. Finally, the use social media and hate speech among these groups is a resource, framing mechanism, and political opportunity that both social movements and uncivil society use to further their anti-Muslim narrative.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1224994
Entities
People
- Christina A. Gatti
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School