The Role of Religion in Foreign Policy

The Role of Religion in Foreign Policy

In order to best understand the role of religion in foreign policy,

one needs to acknowledge that religion does play a role in foreign

policy. However, the role religion plays in international relations is

often overlooked. This omission of such an important factor that

influences international politics in so many ways and on so many

levels is detrimental and should be addressed (Fox, 2001:73). Religion

influences international politics in varied ways. The phenomenal role

of religion in foreign policy is not new or in dispute. Fox purports

that religion, in more ways than one, is tied to other issues that

distinctly influence international politics. There is a link between

religion and nationalism, totalitarianism, political regimes,

political opinions and attitudes, ethnicity, issues of identity, the

process of globalization, terrorism, political culture, attitude

towards war and peace, and the politics of specific states (Fox,

2001:72). We can best understand the role of religion in foreign

policy by examining the influence that religious beliefs and views

have on the decision making process. Moreover, is the religious

foundation of a country the guiding light in that country’s foreign

policy?

One is cognizant of the argument made by some that religion’s

contribution to international relations is ethical and not political

hence it does not play a great role. However, one needs to understand

clearly that a states foreign policy is largely guided by its ethics,

morals, values and principles. Undoubtedly, the foreign policies of

the leaders of theocratic states like Iran and Afghanistan are
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... in international relations is often

overlooked. Nonetheless, religion does play an important role in

international relations. Religion is often tied to other issues that

distinctly influence international politics.

Bibliography

Beasley, Ryan, Kaarbo et al. Foreign Policy in Comparative

Perspective: Domestic and International Influences on State Behaviour.

Washington: Congressional Quarterly Inc, 2001.

Evans, Graham and Jeffrey Newnham. The Penguin Dictionary of

International Relations. London: Penguin Books 1998.

Fox, Jonathan, Religion as an Overlooked Element of International

Relations. International Studies Review 3 (2001): 53-73.

Mazrui, Islamic and Western Values….

Spiegel, Steven. Religious Component of US Middle East Policy. Journal

of International Affairs, (Fall/Winter), (1982): 235-246.