Religion and Soft Power: Taiwanese Buddhist NGOs in Los Angeles
Date Issued
2014
Date
2014
Author(s)
Mroczko, Breanna
Abstract
Influence, or soft power, is important for Taiwan’s international politics. Can Tzu Chi and Fo Guang Shan work as soft power? The Buddhist organizations of Tzu Chi and Fo Guang Shan, which originated and are based in Taiwan, have influence in Taiwan and internationally. Los Angeles was chosen as a focus of the study because the charity work and cultural contributions of these organizations represents their influence all over the world.
To attempt to answer this question, I explored different ideas and definitions of soft power using qualitative methods. I analyzed the influence of these organizations in Los Angeles, Taiwan, and internationally through primary sources and secondary sources.
There is little research on the soft power of religious organizations, and no research focuses on Buddhism alone as a soft power. Buddhism’s role in international politics and as a possible soft power is not clear. Through unique research and correlation of existing research, this article establishes that while Tzu Chi and Fo Guang Shan are not strong examples of state soft power, they are both fully devoted to their respective missions abroad, which makes them a strong influence among impacted groups.
Subjects
軟實力
宗教非政府組織
佛教
慈濟
佛光山
台灣
洛杉磯
Type
thesis
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