This advanced course will examine the complicated relationship between religion and global politics. Topics will include the problem of defining religion as an analytical category, the religious origins of modern state sovereignty, the role of religion in violence and peacemaking, varieties of religious fundamentalism, the politics of sacred spaces and conflicts between religious practices and emerging human rights norms. Readings will draw broadly from political science, religious studies, sociology, and history. A prior course in international relations, comparative politics, or religious studies is required. Students not meeting this requirement will be admitted at the discretion of the instructor.

CILO-1: Identify the origins, evolution, and future trends of the role of religions in international relations. CILO-2: Illustrate the key concepts and theories, used for discussion of religions in international relations. CILO-3: Analyze major cases and issues, in terms of relationship between religions and international relations. CILO-4: Evaluate and argue for possible solutions to cases and issues of religions in real world politics.