The Rohingya and Islamic Extremism: A Convenient Myth
Elliot Brennan and Christopher O´ Hara
The plight of Myanmar’s minority Muslim population, the Rohingya, has received widespread international attention, most notably in light of the ongoing refugee boat crisis. Within Myanmar itself, however, many actors continue to invoke the threat posed to the country by Islamic extremism. Not only does such a connection with the Rohingya lack credibility, argue Christopher O’Hara and Elliot Brennan, but such a narrative legitimates harsher repression and leads to the generation of grievances which, in the long term, may provoke radicalization.
Related Publications
-
Indo-Pacific Security in 2030-35: Links in the Chain
In recent years, events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have brought global supply chains squarely under the spotlight. The economic impact of these disruptive events exposed the […]
-
Climate Security in the Indo-Pacific: Priorities and Challenges
The climate vulnerabilities of the Indo-Pacific region have grown immensely with grave implications for regional, national, human, and ecological security. Climate action has been prioritized by most countries, including by […]
-
As G20 President, Can India Advance Its Multipolar Worldview?
Introduction: Days after the G-20 summit in Bali, which marked the end of the Indonesian presidency and heralded the group’s Indian leadership for the new term beginning in December, Indian […]
-
On the Path to Civil War: Beijing Navigates Post-Coup Myanmar
Abstract Protests against the military’s February 1 coup d’état continue in Myanmar. On March 27, the bloodiest day yet, over 114 civilians, including many children, were shot by regime forces. […]