Living Silence in Burma

Exploring Ethnic Diversity in Burma offers a detailed examination of a country often oversimplified by images of struggle for human rights and political opposition. The book delves into Burma’s intricately woven ethnic fabric, where non-Burman communities make up a significant portion of the population, contributing to complex regional dynamics that have evolved long before the country’s independence. The volume explores the historical emergence of ethnic identities under British colonial influence and scrutinizes the impact of modern state policies, including the military's drive toward a singular national identity. In addition, it investigates the transformation of ethnic identities—whether through exile or religious conversion—while engaging with contemporary debates in both anthropology and sociology concerning the boundaries and spaces that define Burma’s diverse communities. With its comprehensive approach and up-to-date research, Exploring Ethnic Diversity in Burma provides a nuanced perspective on the interplay between ethnicity, religion, and politics, offering readers fresh insights into one of Southeast Asia’s most multifaceted societies.