Post-Socialist Laos Religiopolitics: The Symbiosis of Theravada Buddhism and Marxism-Leninism in Building State Power

Abstract

This article examines how post-socialist Laos combined Theravada
Buddhism with Marxism-Leninism to maintain political power. Through a
literature review of official documents, state policies, available journals and
books, and the ways in which religion was presented in national symbols,
this study attempts to understand how Laos maintained the legitimacy of its
power by employing two seemingly different, yet nearly identical, ideologies.
Marxism-Leninism will serve as the theoretical guideline for this study, as it
serves as the political language of Laos. The analysis concludes that the
government relies on Theravada Buddhism as its identity and moral basis
for social stability. However, this does not eliminate the role of religious
communities. These communities continue to exist by adapting religious
teachings and practices to the state system.