Constitutionalism, Religion and Inequality: Perspectives from Asia

Abstract

Despite the relative marginality of Asia in the field of law and religion, this article suggests that the study of the relationship between constitutionalism and religion in Asia can contribute to theoretical and empirical understanding in the field. In this article I draw on the work of the late Professor Dan S Lev, an Indonesian studies scholar and political scientist, who was particularly interested in the politics of law and religion. I reflect on Lev’s approach to constitutionalism as a legal process, and the relationship between constitutionalism, power and inequality. I use his work as a frame of reference in considering developments in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as illustrated by other articles in this special issue. I demonstrate that Lev's work serves as a timely reminder of both the perils and promise of constitutionalism for achieving social justice.

Keywords: constitutionalism, religion, inequality, Asia