Religion and Global Politics: Religion and Global Politics

Specifically designed for third- and fourth-year students, Religion and Global Politics examines the relationship between religion and world order. Part I consists of carefully selected case studies that introduce students to the empirical and theoretical questions underpinning religion and politics in the United States, Europe, India, East Asia, and Latin America at both the domestic and the international level. Offering a balanced and objective perspective, Part I examines a variety of faith perspectives including Christianity, Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam. Part II uses essential concepts to explore the role that religion plays in the construction of global order and the way religious groups affect the political process in contemporary societies with respect to issues of human rights, war and peace, conflict resolution, and globalization. Context is provided for students in the form of an introduction (Chapter 1) that lays out the history of religion in global politics, as well as the theories that unite and divide political scientists. In addition, a clear conclusion encourages students to apply what they have learned by discussing the future of religion in global politics. The only text of its kind, Religion and Global Politics suggests the potency and enduring nature of religion in global politics and asks students to consider religion as a serious motivator of political desire. The text includes effective pedagogical tools, such as bolded key terms, chapter-review questions, boxed inserts, chapter conclusions, additional sources, web resources, and a glossary to assist students in engaging with and retaining material.