On Whose Authority? The Contest to Define Tibetan Buddhism. As our third largest trading partner, China is of immense importance to Australia, and the problem of Tibet is a contentious aspect of Australia-China relations. The presentation of a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the subtleties of Sino-Tibetan tensions relating to the core issue of religious belief and practice will provide Australian policy-makers with key tools and insights for more effectively managing this important fore ....On Whose Authority? The Contest to Define Tibetan Buddhism. As our third largest trading partner, China is of immense importance to Australia, and the problem of Tibet is a contentious aspect of Australia-China relations. The presentation of a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the subtleties of Sino-Tibetan tensions relating to the core issue of religious belief and practice will provide Australian policy-makers with key tools and insights for more effectively managing this important foreign policy matter, which can aid in preventing military instability in the region. The Tibet problem has ramifications for both China and India, and it is vital for Australian leaders to be equipped with the best information about it. Read moreRead less
Religion, state and social inclusion: lessons from schools in three countries. Social inclusion is a priority for governments in Australia and overseas. Religious schools can be exclusionary, but can also provide safe havens for religious minorities. This project analyses a range of educational controversies in France, USA and Australia to propose programs and policies that enhance inclusion in religiously diverse societies.
ISLAM AND ISLAMIC LAW IN REGIONAL INDONESIA. This project is the first qualitative and quantitative analysis of the interpretation of Islamic law in a range of non-metropolitan areas of Indonesia. It will identify key issues of concern and analyse the directions and advice being provided by local religious leaders. The analysis of the relationship between definitions of Islamic law in the regions with State definitions will provide the basis for a more accurate assessment of the process and d ....ISLAM AND ISLAMIC LAW IN REGIONAL INDONESIA. This project is the first qualitative and quantitative analysis of the interpretation of Islamic law in a range of non-metropolitan areas of Indonesia. It will identify key issues of concern and analyse the directions and advice being provided by local religious leaders. The analysis of the relationship between definitions of Islamic law in the regions with State definitions will provide the basis for a more accurate assessment of the process and degree of syariah implementation in Indonesia. Only when this is understood can meaningful assessments be made about the nature of Islam in the world's largest Muslim nation.Read moreRead less
Researching the Social Role of Religions in Australia. Most Australians claim allegiance to various religions in the Census. The number of religious denominations has greatly increased in recent years, most notably through immigration, with significant numbers from all world religions. Political and social policies are frequently influenced by religious principles and a detailed analysis of this variety is of crucial national importance. Religions from neighbouring societies are significantly r ....Researching the Social Role of Religions in Australia. Most Australians claim allegiance to various religions in the Census. The number of religious denominations has greatly increased in recent years, most notably through immigration, with significant numbers from all world religions. Political and social policies are frequently influenced by religious principles and a detailed analysis of this variety is of crucial national importance. Religions from neighbouring societies are significantly represented in Australia. Understanding them is of central importance in international political and commercial activity. Current research is essential, based on the most recent Census and other recent socio-economic information.
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Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Grant ID: DI0775828
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$12,373.00
Summary
A study of Buddhism and Chinese Buddhist Monks in modernising China. This project will analyse the relationship between religion and modernisation in China. There is a tendency for modernising states to abandon or marginalise traditional religions but paradoxically, while religious practice has undergone transformation and reform in China, Buddhism has not only survived but flourished over the last two decades. This project will investigate these changes and will assist in broadening the fields ....A study of Buddhism and Chinese Buddhist Monks in modernising China. This project will analyse the relationship between religion and modernisation in China. There is a tendency for modernising states to abandon or marginalise traditional religions but paradoxically, while religious practice has undergone transformation and reform in China, Buddhism has not only survived but flourished over the last two decades. This project will investigate these changes and will assist in broadening the fields of expertise in the vibrant and growing field of Buddhist studies within Australia, a development that will undoubtedly help to forge closer links in the region, both in academic forums and more broadly with informal people-to-people contact.Read moreRead less
RELIGION, POWER AND CRISIS IN INDONESIA AND THAILAND: Islamic and Buddhist Responses to Globalising Markets and Cultures. Religion has been central to state power in Indonesia (Islam) and Thailand (Buddhism), both historically and throughout recent dramatic shifts in economic and political circumstances. This study examines how institutional and popular religious movements now relate to political authority in Southeast Asia's economically and strategically most important countries. It will ana ....RELIGION, POWER AND CRISIS IN INDONESIA AND THAILAND: Islamic and Buddhist Responses to Globalising Markets and Cultures. Religion has been central to state power in Indonesia (Islam) and Thailand (Buddhism), both historically and throughout recent dramatic shifts in economic and political circumstances. This study examines how institutional and popular religious movements now relate to political authority in Southeast Asia's economically and strategically most important countries. It will analyse: (1) comparative Islamic and Buddhist fundamentalisms; (2) democratisation and changing patterns of state influence on religion; and (3) marketisation, mass media and religion as popular culture, thereby filling major gaps in the globalisation literature and transcending the limitations of single-country studies of Southeast Asian regional affairs.Read moreRead less
A Historical and Cultural Analysis of Qigong in Contemporary China. This project will assist Australians to understand important developments in contemporary Chinese society, enhancing the basis of our bilateral relationship, especially in discussions of human rights and refugee issues. A better knowledge of qigong will also promote social and religious understanding in Australia where qigong practice is a significant feature of some sectors of society. This project will complement and enhance ....A Historical and Cultural Analysis of Qigong in Contemporary China. This project will assist Australians to understand important developments in contemporary Chinese society, enhancing the basis of our bilateral relationship, especially in discussions of human rights and refugee issues. A better knowledge of qigong will also promote social and religious understanding in Australia where qigong practice is a significant feature of some sectors of society. This project will complement and enhance Australia's already strong international reputation in contemporary Chinese Studies and foster future collaborations and networks. Finally, it will also give unique insights, from a particular Australian perspective, on the impact of the international media on the creation of China issues in a global context.Read moreRead less
Building India: Religion, craft and infrastructure in contemporary Asia. This project aims to show how Hinduism and the god Vishwakarma—literally, Maker of the Universe—frame and propel the infrastructural systems key to India’s rise as a 21st century economic powerhouse. The project will explore the unprecedented growth of Vishwakarma worship across India’s infrastructural and business enterprise sectors, and its role in mobilising a creative class of professionals. It will also investigate its ....Building India: Religion, craft and infrastructure in contemporary Asia. This project aims to show how Hinduism and the god Vishwakarma—literally, Maker of the Universe—frame and propel the infrastructural systems key to India’s rise as a 21st century economic powerhouse. The project will explore the unprecedented growth of Vishwakarma worship across India’s infrastructural and business enterprise sectors, and its role in mobilising a creative class of professionals. It will also investigate its role in instilling a spirit of craftsmanship among workers in Prime Minister Modi’s Make-in-India campaign. The project aims to deepen Australian understanding of Asian religion and economy as it seeks to navigate trade and investment opportunities in Asia.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100230
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$377,402.00
Summary
Transnational networks of Salafi Clerics. This project aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the transnational networks of the ultra-orthodox Salafi Sunni Muslim clerics. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of Islamic studies and religion in society by studying transnational religious actors. This project offers new insights on the workings of Salafi clerical networks, and how these clerics attempt to influence and operate in Muslim societies. Since Salafism is bl ....Transnational networks of Salafi Clerics. This project aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the transnational networks of the ultra-orthodox Salafi Sunni Muslim clerics. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of Islamic studies and religion in society by studying transnational religious actors. This project offers new insights on the workings of Salafi clerical networks, and how these clerics attempt to influence and operate in Muslim societies. Since Salafism is blamed for providing the ideological foundations for extremism, the project provides significant benefits to the scholarly community as well as for policy makers, intelligence professionals and the general public in Australia and worldwide.Read moreRead less
The Origins and Development of Islamic Terrorist Behaviour in Indonesia. This project has relevance for scholars, policy-makers and the broader community in understanding the causes and dynamics of terrorism in Indonesia. It will advance the scholarly debate about terrorist motivations and the relative importance of international and local factors. Its findings will be of direct relevance for the government in helping shape counter-terrorism and foreign aid policies. Against a background of c ....The Origins and Development of Islamic Terrorist Behaviour in Indonesia. This project has relevance for scholars, policy-makers and the broader community in understanding the causes and dynamics of terrorism in Indonesia. It will advance the scholarly debate about terrorist motivations and the relative importance of international and local factors. Its findings will be of direct relevance for the government in helping shape counter-terrorism and foreign aid policies. Against a background of continuing high public and media interest in terrorism, this project will make available information and analysis which contribute to informed discussion. Finally, this study will help to enhance Australia's reputation for expertise on terrorism and Islamic radicalism in our region.Read moreRead less