State and Politics in Religious Peacebuilding

In this book, Tale Steen-Johnsen explains how religious peacebuilders are limited by both formal and more subtle political strategies aimed at regulating civil society. Political authorities have a vested interest in keeping social and religious movements under control, which limits the opportunities religious leaders have to diminish violent conflicts between religious groups. This volume offers empirical examples of these connections in Ethiopia, Kenya, Zanzibar and Tanzania. It is valuable resource for both scholars and development practitioners interested in how politics and religion become conflated when religious actors engage to build peace. 

Tale Steen-Johnsen holds a Ph.D in Sociology. One of her main research interests is the relationship between religion, conflict and peace on the African continent. Steen-Johnsen has extensive experience from the practical realities of such endeavours as advisor for peace and reconciliation within the NGO sector. She has lived and worked in Africa and Asia for many years.