Here There Be Dragons! Buddhist Constitutionalism in the Hidden Land of Bhutan (original) (raw)
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Bhutan, located in the Eastern Himalayas, has a rich history of integrating Buddhism as the state religion, profoundly influencing its political, cultural, and economic policies. This research explores the evolution of Buddhism in Bhutan, examining its interplay with national development while addressing the challenges and opportunities Bhutan faces in a rapidly globalizing world. This study, grounded in a qualitative methodology, employs a literature review and policy analysis to investigate how Buddhist principles have shaped Bhutan’s identity, governance, and social structures. Through the analysis of historical and contemporary sources, this research highlights the unique role of Buddhism in fostering Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework, which emphasizes sustainable development, cultural preservation, and spiritual well-being over material gains. The findings illustrate how Buddhist values guide Bhutan’s political transitions, environmental conservation policies, and economic strategies rooted in self-reliance and moderation. This study contributes to the broader discourse by providing insights into the alignment of religion with governance and development. It underscores the implications of Bhutan’s Buddhist-inspired model, offering a replicable framework for balancing tradition and modernization in other nations. However, as Bhutan navigates modernization, the study identifies potential challenges to its cultural integrity and traditional societal structures. By addressing the gap in existing literature and emphasizing the relevance of cultural and spiritual values in statecraft, this research provides a foundation for further exploration into how Bhutan’s holistic approach to happiness can inform global development strategies.
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In the first half of the seventeenth century, three major Buddhist governments that combined a twofold religious and political structure under a Buddhist ruler were established in the Tibetan cultural area (Joint Twofold System of Governance). In 1625/26, Bhutan was united under the rule of a charismatic Tibetan Buddhist master, Tibet and Sikkim followed, both in 1642 – although with significant differences in their respective institutionalisation. The Working Paper presents findings of the specific and unique case example of pre-modern Bhutan to yield benefit for further interdisciplinary discourses about secularity, religion, and modernity in contemporary Bhutan – paying thereby tribute to the complexity of this field of research. Besides for Bhutan, this analytical framework can be adapted for further research about different pre-modern formations of the Joint Twofold System of Governance in the Tibetan cultural area as a whole.
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