Good neighbours : ethnic and religious tolerance in Myanmar

Document Type

Presentation

Source Publication

City University of Hong Kong: Seminar

Publication Date

2-9-2015

Publisher

City University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Most countries undertaking transitions from authoritarian rules to democracy seek to overcome historical divisions and build a more inclusive society based on reconciliation and trust. In Myanmar, currently in the early stages of democratic reforms, issues of national reconciliation also arise. The country has a number of official and unofficial ethnic minorities, further divided into many subgroups. We assume that a sustainable democracy can only be built on mutual tolerance and trust among people from different ethnic and religious background. This paper examines the determinants of tolerance towards other ethnic groups in Myanmar. It tests several theories that view personal experiences, discrimination, and emotions, and a set of control variables as predictors of tolerance or intolerance. In order to test our hypotheses, we have devised a representative survey of 1,600 members of the general public, which is currently implemented in the country. The paper will provide us with the first analysis of results about one of the most important topics in the process of national reconciliation.

Language

English

Recommended Citation

David, R. (2015, February). Good neighbours: Ethnic and religious tolerance in Myanmar. Seminar at City University of Hong Kong: Seminar, Hong Kong.

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