<![CDATA[This article examines how post-socialist Laos combined Theravada Buddhism with Marxism-Leninism to maintain political power. Through a literature review of official documents, state policies, available journals and books, and the ways in which religion was presented in national symbols, this study attempts to understand how Laos maintained the legitimacy of its power by employing two seemingly different, yet nearly identical, ideologies. Marxism-Leninism will serve as the theoretical guideline for this study, as it serves as the political language of Laos. The analysis concludes that the government relies on Theravada Buddhism as its identity and moral basis for social stability. However, this does not eliminate the role of religious communities. These communities continue to exist by adapting religious teachings and practices to the state system.]]>
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