The Robe and the Sword

In The Robe and the Sword, Sonia Faleiro explores the troubling trend of radical monks and nationalist movements in South and Southeast Asia using Buddhism’s tradition of nonviolence as a tool for violence. Through her travels to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, Faleiro reveals how colonial trauma, economic frustration, and political forces have transformed sacred traditions into instruments of terror. Her vivid storytelling captures the lives of zealots, survivors, and dissident monks, offering a compelling look at the roots of extremism and its impact on our interconnected world. Why You Should Read? Offers a deep dive into the unexpected weaponization of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia. Provides vivid, firsthand accounts of the people caught in the crossfire of extremism. Explores the historical and political factors driving this dangerous transformation. Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of faith and violence in today’s world.