About Book

The Lotus Unleashed is the first study in English of the Vietnamese Buddhist peace movement during the Vietnam War, covering the years 1964 to 1966. The book highlights the extraordinary sacrifices of Buddhist peace activists, including self-immolation, in their efforts to end the conflict. Robert J. Topmiller explores the movement’s aspirations to create a neutralist government, broker peace with the Communists, and expel American influence from Vietnam. The work reveals the internal political divisions within the U.S. military and illuminates the crisis this peace movement created within the U.S. government. It also underscores the power of nonviolent resistance to challenge a violent superpower. Relevance to Current Era: This book offers crucial historical insight into the power of nonviolent movements in confronting overwhelming military forces, a theme that resonates in contemporary discussions on peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Given the ongoing global discussions surrounding military intervention, peace processes, and resistance movements, The Lotus Unleashed serves as an important reminder of how nonviolent efforts can influence political outcomes, even in the face of significant external pressures.