This project is founded on the belief that a clarified understanding of Tibetan Nationalism holds the potential to bridge the gap between proponents of the independence movement and those advocating for the Middle Way Approach in exile. Furthermore, Tibetan Nationalism has the potential to transcend sectarian and regional divides, fostering unity in pursuit of the shared interests and aspirations of the Tibetan nation. I would like to highlight two direct quotations—one from Shokdung (2016) and the other from the late Dawa Norbu (1992)—which emphasize the urgency and relevance of examining Tibetan Nationalism and its impact on fostering harmonious relations between Han Chinese and Tibetans.

Shokdung (2016), the author of “The Division of Heaven and Earth on Tibet’s Peaceful Revolution,” made a poignant observation following extensive protests across the Tibetan plateau against the Chinese government and the subsequent harsh suppression by Chinese state security and military forces: “There is a grave danger of getting locked into violent confrontation, and there is no guarantee that they will not become state terrorists on one side and nationalist terrorists on the other” (p. 64). Similarly, the late Dawa Norbu (1992), who witnessed the initial stirrings of Tibetan Nationalism as a young child on the eve of China’s invasion of Tibet in the 1950s, issued a cautionary statement: “There is the danger that unless the concept (Nationalism) is clarified, the rarefied concept may begin as a sleeping beauty which may soon turn out to be a Frankenstein’s monster”. It’s crucial to acknowledge that nationalism isn’t merely a preference but a necessity for the people of occupied territories like Tibet.

I extend this invitation to scholars, researchers, and activists to contribute their insights and perspectives on the intersectionality of Tibetan Nationalism, the Middle Way Approach, and
the Independence movement. All submissions will be treated confidentially and will only be
summarized for the purpose of this project.