Tibet's Geopolitical Conflict: Resources, Culture, and Power

Introduction: Tibet's Strategic Importance

Tibet has received much attention from the West, described as having a rich cultural heritage, viewed as a victim of Communist aggression, and hailed as a tourist destination. Each of these characterizations contains some truth. However, what is often overlooked is the geopolitical importance of Tibet in Eurasian economics. Known as the "rooftop of the world," it contains in its plateaus a treasure trove of water, minerals, and energy (Samphel). For this reason and others, it has been the source of conflict and contention throughout its long and storied history. This paper will discuss the history of the international conflict associated with Tibet and show how and why it has been depicted in various lights, arguing ultimately that geopolitical and economic interests, rather than ideology alone, drive the occupation and that pathways to reconciliation now exist.

The Documentary Perspective and Framing of Conflict

The documentary feature Tibet Situation: Critical by Jason Lansdell showcases the brutal oppression of Tibetans by the Chinese government. Its perspective is sympathetic to the Tibetan people and critical of the Chinese authorities who perpetrate these abuses. The film opens with a portrayal of Tibet as a peaceful, beautiful oasis that was invaded by evil Communists. The footage of the Communists and their military vehicles is presented in black and white and grainy format, contrasting sharply with colorful images of Tibetan monks praying and green, gorgeous hills and snow-capped mountains. Synthetic music plays over the invasion scenes, giving an eerie, ominous feeling. The film notes that 1.2 million Tibetans have died as a result of the Chinese invasion of 1950—a staggering number that raises urgent questions: Why did China invade? Why did so many Tibetans have to die? Why were they tortured and executed?

These questions, while emotionally compelling, drive the documentary's narrative toward cultural and ideological explanations. Yet the full answer requires examining the deeper strategic context in which this invasion occurred.

Historical Context: Imperialism and Buffer Zones

The revolution that occurred in China in the twentieth century was a violent one that opposed the ancient traditions of the mainland. War had become a business, and leaders like Mao Zedong had developed cults of personality. However, before examining Mao's role, it is necessary to understand why Tibet became strategically valuable to China in the first place.

Tibet had always been a source of contention for as long as powerful groups could take what they wanted. The East India Company pushed into Tibet fearing that Russian imperialists might get there first. Before then, Tibet had ruled over a portion of the Silk Road and even maneuvered to install a Chinese emperor in Xian (Tucci). The Tibetans were a fierce people at this time. But with the adoption of Buddhism, their ferocity began to transform into a more peaceful and contemplative attitude.

As Britain expanded into India, it saw Tibet as a buffer zone—protection from Russian expansion, which it feared would threaten its "jewel" (Gratale 9). But now that Britain was in Tibet and so close to China, China began to view Tibet in the same way that the British saw it: as a buffer, a layer of protection near its own borders from Western colonial powers. With the British now right next door, China decided to act, to take Tibet and restore a buffer zone between itself and the West. From Manchu China, the declaration was simple: "Tibet is the buttress on our national frontiers—the hand, as it were, which protects the face" (Samphel).

At this point the Dalai Lama had left Tibet. The Dalai Lamas had served as advisors to political leaders and represented the spiritual element amid political intrigue. But with the Lama's departure, the "priest-patron relationship" disintegrated and Tibet was occupied (Samphel). China, however, was not resting easily. It underwent revolution in 1911 and Manchu soldiers were expelled from Tibet following a Tibetan rebellion. The Dalai Lama returned to Tibet, finding order restored in the Tibetan people's favor. But in China, revolution was turning into authoritarianism. Mao Zedong came to power and operated using the playbook of Joseph Stalin—brutal, aggressive, and ruthless.