International Engagement on Buddhist–Muslim Relations in Myanmar

Author(s): Owen Frazer
Journal Title: The Review of Faith and International Affairs
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Pages: 82-86
Publisher(s): Taylor & Francis
Publication Year: 2015
Publication Place: Abingdon

Relations between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Myanmar have been under strain, with several incidents of violence occurring. International engagement on this issue has been cautious for fear of doing more harm than good. A number of locally-driven initiatives to address inter-religious tensions exist but international support must remain discrete in order to avoid compromising their legitimacy. A strongly Buddhist national identity and the unresolved status of the Rohingya/Bengali Muslim population are underlying drivers of the tensions. These issues have better chances of being addressed if international discourse adopts a less confrontational and more collaborative approach to these issues.

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