The Geopolitics of Religious Soft Power: How States Use Religion in Foreign Policy

Religion features prominently in the international relations of many states around the world today. Whether mobilizing religious affinities as a form of public diplomacy, positioning religion as a force to counteract perceived ideological foes, or creating transnational networks of religious populism to support incumbent regimes--governments clearly perceive geopolitical utility in the power of religion. This volume explores how states across multiple regions and a diverse range of faith traditions incorporate religion as an aspect of their foreign policy.

Each subsequent chapter is written by a leading expert and explores the role of religion in the global engagement of a particular country. Brazil, China, India, Iran, Jordan, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States are all featured, as are states such as Israel and the Holy See, which by their nature have unique relationships with religion. The case studies illuminate various cross-national patterns, as well as continuities and discontinuities in the role of religion as a geopolitical tool. This volume aims to directly address gaps in scholarly knowledge with data and analysis and seeks to inform and shape scholarship, policymaking, and practice.

Peter Mandaville is Senior Advisor for Religion & Inclusive Societies at the United States Institute of Peace and Professor of International Affairs in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He is also a Senior Research Fellow at Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs. From 2015-2016 he was a Senior Advisor in the Office of Religion and Global Affairs at the U.S. State Department. Previous government experience includes serving as a member of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Policy Planning Staff from 2011 to 2012, where he helped shape the U.S. response to the Arab Spring.