The Political Economy of Religion and Security: Tracing Rohingya Camp Violence

Abstract

Opening windows to the political, economic, and cultural perceptions, and socio-political stability among Rohingyas, the political economy of religion exposes how the unending Rohingya crisis could be resolved. Crucial for both deterrence and vulnerability, religious homogeneity strengthens social resilience against extremism and shapes perceptions and cognitive understanding of uncertainty and identity through the religious construction of ethno-nationalist ideologies and doctrines. Since all Myanmar groups (rebels, competing religion-based forces, and Tatmadaw’s ultrarightists) bounce off the political economy of religion rather than just socio-economic failures (for example, disparity in resource distribution, existential crises, and struggles for meaningful livelihoods), this study points to a more nuanced study of Rohingya religion to outline a stable Rohingya future pathway.