Religion and IR

How has religion shaped the structure of international system?  How should IR scholars approach the role that religion plays in contemporary affairs?  How does religion constrain or motivate international conflict?  This seminar seeks to guide students through readings in the social sciences, from psychology and sociology to anthropology and political science, that explore the intersection of religion and international relations.  We will examine a variety of theoretical approaches to the topic of religion and global politics, explore religious origins of the modern state system, and analyze the influence of religion on historical and contemporary conflicts, with a particular focus on ethnic conflict, terrorism, and peacemaking.

This course is designed for advanced political science graduate students preparing to commence their dissertation research.  Its orientation is theoretical rather than empirical and it is both reading and research intensive.  It is not intended for undergraduates or masters students.