Next Dalai Lama

Research into succession, leadership and devotion, bureaucratic innovation

About the Research Network

The Next Dalai Lama Research Network unites researchers from universities and think tanks with representatives of civil society to discuss the Dalai Lama's impending succession plans. In the past, when a Dalai Lama died, his followers searched for his reincarnation. However, the Dalai Lama has announced an innovation: he will begin a succession process in 2025 when he turns 90 years old. Given his long reign, the invasion of his homeland, and the impact of globalization, his succession will be unprecedented. Our network will discuss his plans and their impact on various communities in four hybrid events: three seminars and a closing conference focusing on succession, leadership and devotion, and bureaucratic innovation.

Aim of the research network

The main aim of the research network is to:

Connect researchers across disciplinary boundaries including anthropologists,
historians, legal scholars, and cognitive scientists
Create an outstanding environment for scattered PhDs, postdocs, and established
researchers
Reinvigorate the study of leadership and devotion through connecting scholars from
the humanities, legal, and business studies
Develop cross-cutting theoretical and methodological approaches to studying
succession
Establish a network of experts to advise governments, businesses, universities, religious
groups, and the media
Enhance researchers’ ability to pursue international funding and initiate research
consortiums.

The network was funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark | Humanities in 2023-2026.

Events

No events found.

Revised 10.03.2023

Cameron Warner