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.
#538911 in Books 2007-08-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.89 x 1.07 x 6.15l; 1.56 #File Name: 0231142617536 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Essential collection on this topicBy Tom J. BushlackThe readings are well-selected; and represent an excellent overview of modern to contemporary Catholic thought on this topic. The introductory essays that come before each new thinker's writings would be perfect for use in a college level course on this topic. Finally; Russell Hittinger's introduction to modern Catholic social thought is worth the entire price of the book alone. This whole series (including the Protestant and Orthodox versions) coming out of Emory are excellent resources.
