Discussion 8

Name

Institution

Discussion 8

A majority of nations seeking self-determination are forced to confront issues both internally and externally in a nationalist struggle. Misra (2003) discusses nationalism in the perspective of diasporic Tibetans. He refers to nationalism from diasporic Tibetans as one that follows a brain drain structure that encourages freedom fighters to flee. Such a way of reasoning and of viewing nationalism has retarded nationalist activities in Tibet. Diasporic attitudes are a hinderance to nationalism in Tibet. A survey mentioned by Misra (2003) suggests that diasporic Tibetans believe national self-consciousness and national solidarity to be best observed and encouraged outside of Tibet. They see their situation in diaspora as comparable to that of Jewish community homelessness during World War II and prior to 1948. The view as a helpless nation exerts moral pressure on the rest of the world, yet modern geo-political realities prevent the international community from any manner of interference, especially political intervention, on behalf of a sovereign nation. The 14th Dalai Lama has, on various occasions, attempted to bring in elements of Western secularism within the Tibetan political arena. Even then, the Tibetan political process is overwhelmingly conditioned to pursue indigenous dual secular and religious government system. With the religious-political partnership continuing in Tibet, alternative arguments on the future of the nation are discouraged. Furthermore, the Dalai Lama’s influence on the direction of Tibet in terms of self-determination has created and strengthened a culture that opposes pluralism. However, the conduct of diasporic Tibetans with regard to nationalism is likely to corrode this culture that rejects pluralism.

References

Misra, A. (2003). A nation in exile: Tibetan diaspora and the dynamics of long distance

nationalism 1. Asian Ethnicity, 4(2), 189-206.