Introduction To International Relations And Religion

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“... provides an excellent introduction to the field and significantly furthers our understanding of how religion influences international relations.” Professor Jonathan Fox, Bar Ilan University, Israel Global events in recent years – such as al Qaeda attacks on the USA on September 11, 2001 - mean various religious 'actors' carry perhaps an unexpected but now crucial influence on international relations and policy in a post-Westphalian world. Governments may now make issues linked to religion a focal point of their foreign policies and non-state actors inspired by religious concerns likewise engage politically with governments. Whilst neither a consistent, nor recent, story, overall, we are witnessing a development which has built over the last three decades, at least since the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s.The second edition of International Relations and Religion guides the reader through the complex issues at the heart of these realities with clarity and insight. Key features thoroughly addresses pertinent theoretical and analytical concepts defines the principles of a host of religious groups assesses the growing importance of the notion of 'soft' power in relation to religion and international relations focuses on the various manifestations of global religious influence Changes for the new edition fully updated to include the Obama administration’s reappraisal of the USA’s relationship with Muslim countries, and repercussions from the assassination of Bin Laden, Pope Benedict XVI’s tenure, and the ‘Arab Spring’ more attention given to how best to factor religion into key International Relations theories and approaches. more coverage of key thinkers in the context of religion and international relations, such as Reinhold Niebuhr and Christian Realism, and former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami’s ‘dialogue of civilisations’ new chapters on democratisation and democracy; development; and conflict and cooperation. Essential reading for students of International Relations and Politics, it will also prove fascinating reading to anyone who wishes to understand the world we live in and the new challenges we face. Jeffrey Haynes is Associate Dean of the Faculty of Law, Governance and International Relations, Professor of Politics, and Director of the Centre for the Study of Religion, Conflict and Cooperation, at London Metropolitan University. He is the author of many books, including, most recently, Routledge Handbook of Democratization (2012) and Religious Transnational Actors and Soft Power (2012) Not so very long ago it seemed reasonable to assert that the influence of religion on global politics was on the wane. As the Western world became increasingly secular and the process of globalisation deepened, it seemed inevitable - on the surface at least - that the voice of religion was to be heard softly if it was to be heard at all. This has now changed, and changed perhaps irrevocably. As Jeff Haynes argues in this thought-provoking and important new book, various religious 'actors' are now significantly involved in international relations and have become a crucial influence on policy in a post-Westphalian world. International Relations and Religion guides the reader through the complex issues at the heart of this topic with clarity and insight. This updated second edition starts with a close reading of the many theoretical and analytical concepts - notably Huntington and the clash of civilisations - that have grown up around this area and then concludes with a summary of the issues under discussion and attempts to put into context what it means to live in a world that is increasingly shaped by a whole host of diverse religious groups. Essential reading for students of International Relations and Politics.

Bol Partner

Not so very long ago it seemed reasonable to assert that the influence of religion on global politics was on the wane. As the Western world became increasingly secular and the process of globalisation deepened, it seemed inevitable - on the surface at least - that the voice of religion was to be heard softly if it was to be heard at all. This has now changed, and changed perhaps irrevocably. As Jeff Haynes argues in this thought-provoking and important new book, various religious 'actors' are now significantly involved in international relations and have become a crucial influence on policy in a post-Westphalian world. International Relations and Religion guides the reader through the complex issues at the heart of this topic with clarity and insight. The book starts with a close reading of the many theoretical and analytical concepts - notably Huntington and the clash of civilisations - that have grown up around this area and then concludes with a summary of the issues under discussion and attempts to put into context what it means to live in a world that is increasingly shaped by a whole host of diverse religious groups.