Religion as an Issue in Politics

Over the last 25 years, religion has become an increasingly more visible and powerful force in international and domestic politics. Since the end of the Cold War, religious political parties have become more vocal, and ethno-religious conflicts with worldwide ramifications have taken their place in the foreign policy discussions and agendas of states. Even in secular contexts, debates involving health, environment, and human rights now include a religious dimension. Religion as an Issue in Politics provides a series of essay by prominent scholars that probe the much-debated relationship between religion and politics in various areas, including Africa, Latin America, East Asia, Western Europe, and the Middle East. Five thematic sections address: Religion, State, and Identity, Religion, Peace, and International Communication, Religion, Governance, and Foreign Policymaking, Religion, Democracy, and Civil Society, Religion and Development