Abstract
Myanmar has been the site of serious conflicts between Buddhist and Muslim communities since June
2012. This working paper presents findings from a research project we convened to better understand the
production of this violence, and to use this understanding to support local groups working for peace.
Based on interviews with 78 local residents of six cities, we find a narrative that presents Islam as an
existential threat to race and religion and Muslims in Myanmar as a potential personal threat to
individuals and communities. This narrative is reinforced by three inter-related sets of arguments that
make reference to international events, events within Myanmar, and personal experiences. Drawing on
these findings, we present conclusions that question the current focus on ‘rumours’ and ‘hate speech’ and
identify important parallels between discourse in Myanmar and rhetoric connected to the Global War on
Terror. We also raise pressing questions for future consideration that deal with the construction of
historical memory and the role of the state and other authorities in either challenging or reinforcing
images of Muslims as a threat. We believe that a better understanding of the production of violence
within Myanmar can help inform more effective responses to religious conflict.
Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................1
Research methods: Listening in six Myanmar cities .....................................................................................................3
Research findings and analysis......................................................................................................................................6
Muslims as threat.......................................................................................................................................................7
Justifying arguments..................................................................................................................................................9
Violence and virtuous self-defence..........................................................................................................................11
Producing narratives, reconciling contradictions.....................................................................................................14
Conclusions and questions...........................................................................................................................................17
Expand focus beyond ‘hate speech’ and ‘rumours’.................................................................................................17
Recognize analogies between discourses in Myanmar and the Global War on Terror............................................19
How is the historical lineage of contemporary conflict being constructed? ............................................................20
Who is contradicting – or reinforcing – narratives of Muslim threat?.................................................