Civil Religion in the Context of Myanmar: From Nation-Building Concept to a Political Tool

Abstract

This article applies civil religion as a theoretical framework arguing that Myanmar society inseparably engages with Buddhism. It examines how civil religion had been adopted in Myanmar by the military leader, Ne Win, and democratically-elected leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi, to gain legitimacy and political support from the people. On the other hand, civil religion can also be utilized as a political mechanism to suppress citizenship.