The soft power of India Buddhism for the sustainable development in north East Asia

¹ Institute of Religion and Belief, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, 135, Nguyen Phong Sac Str., 10000, Nghia Tan Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City, Vietnam
² Chelyabinsk State University, 129, Br.Kashirinykh str., 454001, Chelyabinsk, Russia

^* Corresponding author: thanhhanghh2015@gmail.com

Abstract

In the context globalization today, peaceful cooperation, mutual substainable development, avoiding conflict and confrontation is becoming the main trend in foreign policy of several countries and regions. Therefore, the use of cultural strength as a source of soft power to enhance the national image, power and position is particularly focused in international relations in the 21^st century. Buddhism is a major religion, which has a deep influence and popularity all over the world. Originating from India, Buddhism has spread to Eastern and Western cultures, it contributes to enriching the soft power of India. The development of Buddhism creates a cultural link between India and the world, helping to expand the influence of India by the power of culture and religious faith. Through Buddhism, people know and admire India as an ancient culture of the East. The article analyzes the widespread pervasiveness of Indian Buddhism as a source of Indian soft power in three countries in Northeast Asia - Japan, South Korea, and China as a concrete example for this.