The Global Resurgence of Religion and the Transformation of International Relations: The Struggle for the Soul of the Twenty-First Century

by Scott M. Thomas

This book is about the global resurgence of culture and religion in international relations, and how these social changes are transforming our understanding of International Relation theory, and the key policy-related issue areas in world politics. It is evident in the on-going debates over the 'root causes' of 9/11 that there are many scholars, journalists and members of the public who still believe culture and religion can be explained away by appeals to more 'basic' economic, social or political forces in society. Therefore The Global Resurgence of Religion and the Transformation of International Relations presents an argument for taking culture - and particularly religion - as social forces that are important for understanding world politics in the post-Westphalian era.

315 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, part of an academic series on religion and international relations, begins with a discussion of why religion is often marginalized in studies of international affairs. It continues with an analysis of religion's role in international conflict, peacekeeping, and development. Although academic, the book was fairly readable for the average reader. I felt that it was not overly comprehensive, however, with the author focusing narrowly on subjects that interested him while ignoring many other important aspects of the problem.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not too bad to read, and was a good introduction to the topic of religion and international relations.