Religion and International Relations Research Paper

Religion and International Relations - Research Paper Example Although the concept of religion is as old as mankind, it is interesting to note that policymakers and legislators have vastly ignored the roles of religion in the governance of a nation and even international relations. The schism between the East and West has increased by twofold because of this very reason that they fail to incorporate religion in their dialogue, leaving no space for people from these two different worlds to interact (Fox & Sandler 2010, p. 2). The substance of this prose will not only examine the importance of religion in international relation as discussed in light of scholarly theories but it will also discuss the techniques through which they can use to include religion and use it to create a more harmonious society. Although religion has been used multiple times in political context, but despite its frequent usage it is impossible to put down this phenomenon in to a proper definition. Religion is often seen as a set of ideas or notions that are vastly negated by scientific research and are perceived to be irrational (Philpot et.al 2009). Religion is widely believed to be irrational, which underlines the negative sentiments against this institution. However, sadly not everyone especially in the Eastern sphere agrees with that notion which turns out to be the main source of conflict. This is because Religion is responsible for shaping worldviews; as mentioned earlier, since religion constitutes culture it is also a part of an individual’s identity. Religion is also used to legitimize basic human rights and political processes. Moreover, most religions have transformed into huge organizations, like the Catholic Church there is an added pressure to appease and include religions (Fox & Sandler 2010, p.2). Even historically there is a strong tie between correlation between nation and religion is that it is what helped the people relate to one another. It was a binding force as it brought people together and helped them demarcate right from wrong. Religious views led to establishments on various superstitions and myths, and with the rising popularity of science, it just sparked more debates and people became wary of religion, but with terrorist attacks the sentiments became more hostile towards the idea of religion. However the conflict is triggered because most of the scholarly work done on the matter is vastly done from Western-centric perspective and which is why this blatant ethnocentricism in religious views has further deepened the conflict. However, as the society becomes more and more culturally diverse and even aware, there is an added pressure on authorities to take religion into account as per the constitutional clause that entitles every individual to freedom of speech, expression and practices. The most unfortunate fact is that because of the controversial nature of the topic, religion is more or less treated as a tabooed subject. The modern rejection according to Fox & Sandler (2010, p. 10) comes fro m the stigmas attached with religion that is extremist, radical and backward. There is a need for more open dialogue on the subject and an increase in literature from all three sides; which is the pro-religion side, the anti-religion and one from a neutral perspective. Policymaking is a crucial affair as individuals need to take into account diverse needs of the people and religion becomes even more of essence as not just 9/11 but there are plenty of conflict existing in present day that are triggered by or has it s base in religion, which will be discussed in later parts of the prose. The case