Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Authors' Class Standing
Hailee Clark, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Hailee Clark
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Murray
Abstract
This research project evaluates the root cause of the Rohingyan genocide by comparing religious and state ideology. A comparison of these ideologies displayed a deeper issue within the Buddhist organizations throughout the Rakhine state. This research was conducted through an evaluation of articles and interviews detailing Burmese culture, victim accounts of the genocide, state laws, and extremist speeches delivered by Buddhist monks. Of the existing research, very little focuses on ideology or the unique role of Buddhists in this atrocity. This research shows that many Buddhists in the Rakhine state have shown a blatant disregard for - or developed an extreme interpretation of - their religious ideology and the lasting impact that British colonialism has had on Myanmar. Along with this, the research reveals Buddhist monks are the true leaders of the genocidal regime and establishes a connection between ideological power and religion in the state of Myanmar further proving the Rohingyan genocide unique as a religious sponsored genocide using state ideology. Overall, the Rohingyan genocide represents ties between state and religion which can directly influence the destruction of a people “in whole or in part” (UN Genocide Convention 1948).
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Buddhists as Perpetrators: State Ideology vs. Religious Ideology in Myanmar
This research project evaluates the root cause of the Rohingyan genocide by comparing religious and state ideology. A comparison of these ideologies displayed a deeper issue within the Buddhist organizations throughout the Rakhine state. This research was conducted through an evaluation of articles and interviews detailing Burmese culture, victim accounts of the genocide, state laws, and extremist speeches delivered by Buddhist monks. Of the existing research, very little focuses on ideology or the unique role of Buddhists in this atrocity. This research shows that many Buddhists in the Rakhine state have shown a blatant disregard for - or developed an extreme interpretation of - their religious ideology and the lasting impact that British colonialism has had on Myanmar. Along with this, the research reveals Buddhist monks are the true leaders of the genocidal regime and establishes a connection between ideological power and religion in the state of Myanmar further proving the Rohingyan genocide unique as a religious sponsored genocide using state ideology. Overall, the Rohingyan genocide represents ties between state and religion which can directly influence the destruction of a people “in whole or in part” (UN Genocide Convention 1948).