On the Significance of Religion in Conflict and Conflict Resolution, 2021

"This initial book in an exciting new series looks at one of the key global issues with which religion is intimately involved: the sustainable development goals. This punchy, thoughtful and comprehensive overview of the relevant issues is a must-read for scholars, practitioners and university students. It will help set the focus of debates on this issue. I warmly recommend it". Jeffrey Haynes, London Metropolitan University, UK "The 'Religion Matters' series is a timely and accessible compendium con-textualizing the role of religion within the critical issues of our time. The first volume, On the Significance of Religion in Conflict and Conflict Resolution, demonstrates through careful analysis and illustrative case studies around the three Abrahamic traditions the real yet complex impact of religion in the global sphere, showing clearly the need for collaboration and understanding across sectors and religious traditions in conflict resolution. Building upon the rich academic expertise and lived experiences of the authors, and situating itself within the broader religion and peacebuilding scholarship of recent decades, this volume raises to the forefront the 'how' and 'why' religion does indeed matter". Melissa Nozell, United States Institute of Peace, USA "'Does religion matter' is a crucial question for billions of people around the world. Although in recent years, many governments and international organizations have begun considering the role of religion in policy, nevertheless these efforts remain in their initial phase. This edited volume creatively tackles this central issue in international politics. Combining several real and challenging cases, the Editors successfully dispel the myth that religion alone causes violent conflicts and is responsible for their solutions. The book also illustrates how the three Abrahamic traditions can be deployed effectively to positively contribute to conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Israeli Palestinian, Pakistan, and Rwanda settings. The edited volume adds an important voice to the field of interreligious peacebuilding. It also responds to the need for further engagement between policy makers and peacebuilding communities and practitioners". Mohammed Abu-Nimer, American University School, USA "This volume is an important contribution to efforts to bring religion back into the mainstream of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Analyzing religion's role in conflict and peace by applying a simple framework to several rich case studies, the authors convincingly demonstrate that religion matters for anyone working in the field of conflict resolution today". Owen Frazer, Center for Security Studies, Zurich, Switzerland

Religions of South Asia, 2014

THE FOUNTAIN: JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES, 2017

In moving abreast with the global trends in the field of peace and conflict resolution, religious practitioners are found at every level of the peace-building processes. The role of religion in the modern era cannot be underestimated since it has remained a resilient force in society. Religion transcends geographical boundaries that can be used to reach a majority of its followers, it teaches peace and love, even when the condition seems horrendous. The motivational factor for writing this paper emanated from the realization of the continuous

Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 2008

Peace <html_ent glyph="@amp;" ascii="&amp;"/> Change, 1997

Religion has a dual legacy in human history regarding peace and violence. Conflict resolution theory must examine more systematically the decision-making of religious actors and leaders in order for strategies of peacemaking to be effective in the relevant contexts. It is the argument here that the study of religion and conflict resolution will yield an important new field of inquiry. A series of topics need to be addressed, including the mixture of religious and pragmatic motivations in behavior, the struggle between intracommunal moral values and other traditional values that generate conflict, multifaith dialogue and pluralism as conflict resolution strategies, the sociopolitical impact of religious leadership on conflict generation and resolution, the limited scope of religious ethics in regard to the rejection of nonbelievers and traditional outgroups, and the promising role of interpretation of sacred tradition in generating peacemaking strategies.

Routledge Handbook of Religion and Political Parties (ed. Jeffrey Haynes), 2020

In a briefing to the European Parliament in 2016, policy analyst Philippe Perchoc points out, “The role of religious groups in conflict and conflict resolution is at the centre of lively academic debate. … International organisations, states and think-tanks are giving increasing consideration to the religious dimension of conflict resolution” (Perchoc 2016, 1). The interest in the religious dimension in societal and political processes in general and in conflict resolution and peacebuilding in particular is fairly recent, however, as the secularization thesis had dominated academic and political thought for decades. This contribution thus provides (1.) a brief overview of the rise of interest in the religious factor, before (2.) discussing key concepts in the field of conflict resolution. A third part (3.) examines the role of religious actors in conflict and conflict transformation, while a final (4.) part relates religion, conflict transformation and political parties. Here, a closer look at post-genocide Rwanda serves as a case study. (Accepted, pre-published paper)

2015

The British Academy's latest international policy report explores how the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding has all too often been depicted in binary terms, which have obscured the complexity of the subject. The report argues that religion is never a static or isolated entity but should rather be understood as a fluid system of variables, contingent upon a large number of contextual and historical factors. By observing how religion operates and interacts with other aspects of the human experience at the global, institutional, group and individual levels, this report aims to gain a more nuanced understanding of its role (or potential role) in both conflict and peacebuilding

Religion is often considered to be a motivator and mobiliser of masses in conflict areas. It is labeled as the negative contributor to conflict instead of a potential positive influence on conflict transformation. The Western secularisation is associated with a modern, democratic, pluralistic state, those states that are dominated by culture and religion are perceived as premodern, undemocratic, and intolerant (Powers, 2010). Often religion is dealt the unimportant role at the negotiation table, ignoring a major dimension to many conflicts. The goal of this paper is to review this role of religion and discover its benefits to the peacebuilding process. Mozambique, Nigeria, Cambodia, and Bosnia are cases in which religion played an important role either in the conflict, the peacebuilding process, or both. After examining each case a more generalised view will be given on the role that religion can have within peacebuilding. As an author I acknowledge that religion is often a tool used by criminal and war leaders, political and religious elites, and those in power to gain personal financial or political benefits or secure and increase their political power. It is not the goal to refute or examine this claim, but to develop an understanding of the influence of religion on a grassroots level in a positive way towards peace. Based on the analyses of the cases and the theory conclusions are drawn on how the international community can strengthen the role of religion.

Russian Law Journal

Religion, culture, and heritage are major factors that contribute to the formation of identity. Religion, in particular, plays a crucial role in the causes, dynamics, and resolution of conflicts, making it a powerful tool for both generating and preventing conflicts. While some view religion as a source of conflict, it cannot be denied that religion can also play a significant role in conflict resolution and peace building. This paper delves into the multifaceted role of religion in society, which can act as both a source of conflict and violence, but also as a means for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The interplay between religion and identity formation is explored in relation to its impact on conflict, including causes, dynamics, and potential resolutions. With a focus on the Islamic perspective, the paper outlines the guidelines and methodologies provided by religion to prevent conflicts and promote peace. Additionally, the role of religious leaders in facilitating peaceb...

The role of Religion in Conflict and Governance, 2024

Religion has long been a significant factor in shaping conflicts and governance structures worldwide. While often associated with peace and moral guidance, it also has the potential to be a source of division and violence. This presentation delves into the multifaceted role of religion in relation to conflict and governance, exploring various issues such as interfaith movements, the drivers of conflict, the promotion of peace, the challenges of extremism, and opportunities for transformative change.