Diplomacy is often associated with ambassadors and state leaders. But across Asia, monks, temples and religious networks have also helped shape relationships between nations. At a time of rising geopolitical tensions and renewed interest in cultural diplomacy, a new book shines a light on an often-overlooked force in global affairs: the role of religion.
Figures of Buddhist Diplomacy in Modern Asia introduces the concept of "Buddhist Diplomacy", showing how Buddhist ideas, institutions, objects, and transnational networks have been mobilised to shape cultural exchange, peacebuilding initiatives and used for geopolitical manoeuvring across modern Asia.
The book, funded by the Social Science Research Council of Singapore (SSRC), was edited by Associate Professor Jack Meng-Tat Chia, a recognised expert on Buddhism and its historical and cultural roles in Asia from the NUS Department of History.
Bringing together 22 multidisciplinary essays by leading and emerging scholars of religious studies, history, anthropology, and political science, the book examines how Buddhist leaders, politicians, diplomats, and royalty have practised "Buddhist diplomacy" from the twentieth century to the present. In doing so, challenging the conventional view that religion, and more specifically Buddhism, is politically detached, thus highlighting its active role in shaping diplomatic thought and practice.
"Figures of Buddhist Diplomacy in Modern Asia reframes how we think about diplomacy in the region," said Assoc Prof Chia. "It shows how Buddhist actors and networks have participated in shaping transregional ties and public diplomacy, and invites readers to rethink the boundaries between religion, culture, and statecraft in modern Asia."
Prominent profiles featured in the book include Singapore's former foreign minister, Mr George Yeo; the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso; the late peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi; and President of the People's Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping, to illustrate how Buddhist ideas and networks have been influential in different diplomatic contexts.
SSRC Deputy Chairman Professor Chan Heng Chee, who was the guest-of-honour at the book launch today, said the book is a timely and important contribution that broadens how we understand diplomacy in the region as it shows how ideas, culture, and beliefs can shape international relations.
""This book exemplifies the kind of bold, interdisciplinary research that SSRC champions - work that moves debates forward, challenges assumptions and sparks thinking that influences both academic inquiry and policy in the region," said Prof Chan, who is also Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hardback copies of Figures of Buddhist Diplomacy in Modern Asia can be purchased at Kinokuniya SG at $170.68 each. Open access e-copies of the book can be downloaded online at: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/figures-of-buddhist-diplomacy-in-modern-asia-9781350530126/.
