How did Aśoka’s conversion to Buddhism affect the Mauryan Empire’s relations with neighboring kingdoms?

After the bloody conquest of Kalinga, Aśoka embraced Buddhism and promoted dhamma, including nonviolence and peaceful conduct. He relied less on military conquest and sought friendly relations with neighboring kingdoms, even sending diplomatic and religious missions. This makes “It led to improved relations, as Aśoka committed to a policy of nonviolence” the best answer; his conversion did not bring neighboring kingdoms into the empire by force.

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