Document Type
Conference Paper
Publication Date
2010
Abstract
The exponential growth of IR studies in religion and the rise of religious actors and agendas in the minds of international policy makers suggest that religion will be an organising force in world politics of the future. This paper explores from an open critical position the assumption that religion will shape the evolving borders of world affairs. As modern international relations was partly borne of the need to contain the borders of religion, it is argued that the reemergence of religion in contemporary world politics may, paradoxically, reinforce that same system. Twenty-first century policy makers may thus take a neo-Westphalian turn in search of a broad-based secular polity that utilises yet also contains religio-political energies.
Recommended Citation
Rees, J. (2010). The next big thing? Why religion may (not) shape international relations in the 21st century. Paper presented to the American Graduate School of International Relations in Paris Graduate Conference. Paris, France
Comments
Further information about the American Graduate School of International Relations in Paris may be accessed here
The Author:
Dr John Rees