Tibet is almost twice the size of Texas and sits 15,000 feet high in the Himalayas. There are about 2.5 million Tibetans in their homeland, and nearly as many in adjacent areas in China and northern India. The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the former secular leader of Tibet is the fourteenth Dalai Lama, who was born Lhamo Dhondrub and enthroned in 1940 when he was just five years old. Tibet was independent from the 800s to the 1300s. It then came under Mongol rule for over 300 years, but exercised considerable autonomy under its theocratic leader, who in 1577 was designated as the Dalai Lama (lama of all within the seas) by the Mongols. That autonomy ended when the Chinese emperor launched an invasion and in 1751 established his suzerainty over Tibet. A new era of independence began when imperial China collapsed in 1911 until Chinese forces again seized control in 1950. At first, the Dalai Lama remained in Tibet and exercised some authority. Then in 1959 the Tibetans revolted against China. They were crushed, and the Dalai Lama and his supporters fled south to India.

Now the status of Tibet is disputed. China claims it is a province. Most Tibetans and many others maintain that their homeland is an occupied state. The Dalai Lama is a charismatic figure who is Tibet's chief diplomat. He tirelessly campaigns for his people's political rights, while opposing violence to achieve them. These traits have earned the Dalai Lama access to world leaders and widespread support by many individuals, including such celebrities as actor Richard Gere. Not even the Dalai Lama, however, has been able to win support from any of the world's governments for Tibetan autonomy, much less independence. Thus for now, China has the upper hand. Certainly the attitudes of other states reflect China's growing power, but it is also true that no country established relations with Tibet between 1911 and 1959, when China was much weaker.

Be active in trying to write the script of world policy to conform more closely to your policy beliefs, whatever they may be. This woman protesting in India in 2005 believes in the cause of Tibetan independence. If you agree, find a way to support her efforts. If you disagree, be active opposing her views.

Be Active
While near-term change in Tibet's status is unlikely, nothing is certain. So get involved if you support the Tibetan cause. There are numerous groups on college campuses and elsewhere that would welcome your support. A starting place is to visit the Web site of the Tibet government in exile at www.tibet.com. There, the "How You Can Help Tibet" hyperlink offers suggestions and also provides further links to supportive groups such as Students for a Free Tibet (www.studentsforafreetibet.org). No known citizen groups support Beijing's position, but you can find out more about it and establish contacts if you wish through the China Tibet Information Center at www.tibetinfor.com.cn.