When Small States Practice Buddhist Diplomacy

Who claims what

• —China and India are competing for influence through Buddhism — not independently verified
• —Smaller states like Bhutan and Singapore are using Buddhist values for diplomatic means — not independently verified
• —The evolving role of Buddhist heritage in international relations is illustrated by these dynamics — not independently verified

Our assessment

If claims of state actors using Buddhist heritage as a diplomatic tool are substantiated, this could signal new avenues for influence campaigns and soft power competition in the Indo-Pacific. Businesses may face shifting policy priorities or messaging in partner countries, potentially impacting high-level relations or…