Tsering Shakya

Tsering Shakya is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding the Canada Research Chair in Religion and Contemporary Society in Asia. He is affiliated with the Institute for Asian Research within the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, and co-leads the Himalaya Program. His expertise spans Tibetan history, politics, and cultural production, with notable contributions to understanding ethno-national identity, religious practice, and minority policy in the Himalayan region and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Shakya’s research bridges historical and contemporary analyses of Tibet, focusing on social transformation, political dynamics, and the role of social media in shaping minority experiences. He currently serves as President of the International Association of Tibetan Studies, reflecting his global scholarly leadership.

Research Interests: His work examines the intersection of politics, identity, and religion in Tibet and the Himalayas. Key themes include Tibetan cultural resilience, PRC minority policies, and the evolving landscape of protest and dissent. He has also explored the impact of social media on marginalized communities in China.

Awards: He holds the prestigious Canada Research Chair, underscoring his academic impact. His seminal works, such as The Dragon in the Land of Snows, are widely acclaimed as foundational texts on modern Tibetan history.

Teaching: He teaches courses like Nationalism, Religion, and Ethnic Conflict in Asia and Policy in Context, emphasizing critical analysis of regional and global policy challenges.

Labs/Teams: As co-lead of the Himalaya Program, he fosters interdisciplinary research on Himalayan societies, governance, and cultural preservation.