Columbia University Press Religion and International Relations Theory: 10 (Religion, Culture, and Public Life)

Religious concerns stand at the center of international politics, yet key paradigms in international relations, namely realism, liberalism, and constructivism, barely consider religion in their analysis of political subjects. The essays in this collection rectify this. Authored by leading scholars, they introduce models that integrate religion into the study of international politics and connect religion to a rising form of populist politics in the developing world. Contributors identify religion as pervasive and distinctive, forcing a reframing of international relations theory that reinterprets traditional paradigms. One essay draws on both realism and constructivism in the examination of religious discourse and transnational networks. Another positions secularism not as the opposite of religion but as a comparable type of worldview drawing on and competing with religious ideas. With the secular state's perceived failure to address popular needs, religion has become a banner for movements that demand a more responsive government. The contributors to this volume recognize this trend and propose structural and theoretical innovations for future advances in the discipline. Review ... the book is easy to read and is a great source for scholars who are interested in the roots of secularism and the resurgence of religion. The contributors also elegantly tie their research to international relations theory in their respective conclusions.--Nukhet A. Sandal "Perspectives on Politics " impressive--G. John Ikenberry "Foreign Affairs " A remarkable collection that brings religion, in all its multiple forms, into international relations theory. These erudite chapters show the origins of secular theories in religious values and institutions, the ways in which religion can be incorporated into established theories, the other ways in which religion continues to rival secular world views, and the variety of consequences that we should expect from a world in which religion appears to be becoming increasingly salient. An essential addition to the library of international theory.--Michael W. Doyle, author of Ways of War and Peace This book will become essential reading for anyone studying the importance of religion in international relations. Indeed, it will be relevant for anyone who wishes to understand key dynamics in international affairs more broadly.--Hendrik Spruyt, Northwestern University Though religion has returned to the global public square with a vengeance, until now international relations theory seemed oblivious. This book changes that. Its timely and thoughtful essays bring religion back into the picture, exploring major aspects of international relations theory and providing new ways of thinking about religion within major theoretical frames of reference. Written with clarity and grace by leading thinkers in the field, this landmark book will be read by scholars and students of international relations theory for years to come.--Mark Juergensmeyer, author of Global Rebellion: Religious Challenges to the Secular State About the Author Jack Snyder is the Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Relations at the Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies, Columbia University. His books include Electing to Fight: Why Emerging Democracies Go to War; From Voting to Violence: Democratization and National Conflict; and Myths of Empire: Domestic Politics and International Ambition.