Culture, Religion and Conflict in Muslim Southeast Asia: Negotiating Tense Pluralisms

This book explores the cultural repertoires from which Southeast Asian political actors have drawn to negotiate the pluralism that has so long been characteristic of the region. It examines in greater depth the sometimes surprising and unexpected roles culture and religion have played in mitigating or exacerbating conflicts. Within the broad framework of these objectives, it analyses the policies, strategies and approaches that have been attempted in the pursuit of interethnic and inter-religious dialogue and reconciliation, and the resolution to some of the region's longstanding conflicts. Exploring the dynamics of identity politics and the range of responses to the socio-political challenges of religious and ethnic pluralism on the part of regional governments, civil society activists, academia and the media, the contributors illuminate the principal regional discourses that attempt to make sense of conflict and tensions. They examine local notions of "dialogue," "reconciliation," "civility" and "conflict resolution" and show how varying interpretations of these terms have informed the responses of different social actors across Southeast Asia to the challenges of conflict, culture and religion. The book examines the roles played by political elites, both old and new, in promoting, preventing or stalling dialogue. It demonstrates how stumbling blocks to dialogue and reconciliation can and have been overcome in different parts of Southeast Asia and identifies a range of actors who might be well placed to make useful contributions, propose remedies, and initiate action towards negotiating the region's pluralism. This book provides is a much needed regional and comparative analysis that will make a significant contribution to a better understanding of the interfaces between region and politics in Southeast Asia.