Tibet: Exiles' Journey

Why was democracy introduced to Tibetan diaspora? I argue and document from Tibetan sources that the Dalai Lama, reflecting aspirations of exile Tibetans to end the traditional theocratic/feudal system, initiated relative democratization of the exile government of Tibet in 1960 and continued to the present. The endeavor was intriguingly aided by Chinese Marxist propaganda, host India, Western influence and internal Buddhist sectarian and regional skirmishes. Finally, I argue that the historical flaws in the Dalai Lama's reincarnation system and regency practice may be rectified, and Tibetan national freedom movement strengthened, if the Tibetan democratic process continues.