The evolving Tibetan struggle in the 21st century reflects a complex interplay of cultural erasure, political uncertainty, global disengagement, and the people’s continued struggle and resilience, casting a long shadow of uncertainty over the region’s future. While the quest for an independent Tibetan state has faded, even the more pragmatic demand for autonomy under China’s “Middle Way Approach” faces mounting obstacles. The piece critically examines China’s aggressive policy of cultural assimilation, the aging of the 14th Dalai Lama and the risks surrounding his succession, diminishing international support, and the weakening of Tibetan institutions in exile. Despite these challenges, the article argues that Tibetan identity continues to survive through non-state resilience, sustained by peaceful resistance, cultural preservation, diaspora networks, spiritual leadership, and limited foreign support. Although the political prospects for Tibet remain bleak, the enduring cultural and moral resistance of the Tibetan people ensures that the spirit of Tibet persists beyond China's control.
