Anne Blackburn

Anne Blackburn, Old Dominion Foundation Professor at Cornell University, explores the emergence of new kingdoms influenced by Theravada Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia between the 13th and 15th centuries. She discusses the significance of the Pali language in defining sovereignty and the unique role of Sri Lanka in this historical narrative. Blackburn also delves into Emperor Ashoka's impact on Buddhist leadership ideals and the evolving scholarship on Pali texts, revealing the complex interactions that shaped the intellectual landscape of the region.