International relations
Religions in Global Politics
Module code: L2075A
Level 6
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework
Too often today religion seem to be at the centre of a global geopolitical scenario of insecurity. Is this, however, a fair picture? How should we understand the resurgence of religions in global politics beyond the news headlines?
In this module, drawing on a mix of theories and case-studies, we will challenge the reading of religion as the ultimate threat to international stability. You will engage with the debate over secularism and understand how policymakers are responding to this new role of religion by discussing the implications for:
- foreign policy
- development
- human rights
- peacebuilding.
Module learning outcomes
- Develop a systematic and critical understanding of religion as a threat to the international order especially as it relates to identity politics, ‘new wars’ and terrorist attacks.
- Develop a conceptual understanding of the empirical and theoretical uncertainties, ambiguities and limits of contemporary scholarly debate on religion and its role in international relations.
- Effectively synthesise and communicate a detailed analysis of the role of religion in foreign policy, development, and peacebulding.