Religion in International Relations: The Return from Exile

by F. Petito, Fabio Petito (Editor)

Are the secular foundations of international relations sustainable at present? This comprehensive study shows how the global resurgence of religion confronts international relations theory with a theoretical challenge comparable to that raised by the end of the Cold War or the emergence of globalization. The volume tries to shake the secular foundational myths of the discipline and outline the need for an expansion into religiously inspired spheres of thought. It also challenges the most condemning accusation against the view that the politicization of religion is always a threat to security and inimical to the resolution of conflict. Finally, the task of demystifying religion is taken further with an argument for a stronger and "progressive" political engagement of the worldwide religious traditions in the contemporary globalized era.

Genres: International Relations

296 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2003

Reviews

[Ismoil Sadullozoda]

Although written more than two decades ago, the essays in this volume provide ideas and discussions that are quite relevant in today’s IR.

“The Return from Exile” is a reference to resurgence of religion in international discourse at the beginning of the twenty first century from the exile of Westphalian system-a challenge to the secular paradigm of international order.

The central idea in most discussions in the volume is based on Huntington’s “clash of civilizations” and its countertendecy of intellectual tradition of dialogue of civilizations. Other topics relate to (threats of) politicization of religion, religion and wars, fundamentalism and religious-intellectual actors.

[Erdoan A.]

One of the Must-read books on Religion and IR. Especially interesting for those who want to learn more on how religion is constructed in IR and how it needs to be deconstructed. Written in 2003, bringing back religion from the exile is still relevant. I wrote a piece, based on this book, here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/b...