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Political theology: text and practice in a Dalit Panther Community

Article Abstract:

The Bharatiya Dalit Panthers, comprising Maharashtrian Dalits, reconciles Buddhism with the political aim of establishing a democratic socialist government. The Dalit Panthers formulated their political objectives by combining Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's concept of mixing Buddhism and Marxism with the political ideals of their poetry and manifesto. Ambedkar's work, 'The Buddha and his Dhamma,' and the manifesto identify exploitation as the cause of suffering. Ambedkar suggests moral social action along with spiritual salvation as a solution, while the Panthers believe in violence for achieving their goals.

India, Political activists, Activists, Dalits (East Indian Scheduled Castes), Untouchables

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The Islamic turn in Indonesia: a political explanation

Article Abstract:

The growing Islamization of Indonesian politics can be explained politically by analyzing the rise of the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI). The ICMI, a top-down rather than a bottom-up organization, managed by bureaucrats and partly funded by the state, was formed to ensure Pres Suharto's reelection in 1998. The ICMI identifies Islam with human resources development to attract support and neutralize opposition. Suharto continues the New Order government's political strategy of encouraging personal piety, such as head covering, while repressing the politicalization of religion.

Evaluation, Indonesia, Islam and politics, Islam, Suharto

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Culture, virtue, and political transformation in contemporary Northern Viet Nam

Article Abstract:

State control of political life in Asia is being increasingly challenged by nonstate actors, such as students, environmental groups, crime syndicates and middle class protestors, who are seeking to accommodate their own interests within an altered political environment. The pluralism of Vietnamese society is likely to grow rapidly in the 1990's, with groups emerging to influence local politics as well as the national government. Citizens have become more assertive with their voting behavior, with election results suggesting that the cultural difference between society and state is growing.

Vietnam, Social indicators, Vietnamese, Vietnamese (Southeast Asian people)

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