A groundbreaking framework examining the role of religion in national and global political spheres
A Companion to Religion, Politics, and Nation is an essential resource for understanding the profound and evolving interactions between religion, politics, and the concept of the nation. Unlike conventional approaches that treat religion as an ideological outlier in political systems, this innovative volume centers the nation as a transformative force on religious identities and political dynamics. Through a multidisciplinary lens that draws from political science, anthropology, history, and religious studies, a diverse panel of scholars illuminates how national communities continuously reshape intersections between civic morality, political power, and collective religious identity.
The Companion spans diverse historical periods and religious traditions while addressing urgent contemporary issues such as multiculturalism, race and ethnicity, gender rights, and the globalization of religious communities. By breaking down traditional dichotomies—such as the assumption that religion's political presence is abnormal or isolates domestic from international influences—the Companion offers a novel analytical framework to navigate these complex interactions. In-depth chapters synthesize and critique leading theories, bridge critical gaps in existing scholarship, and present comparative case studies that explore both well-studied and underrepresented regions and contexts.
With a focus on pluralism, tolerance, and post-national dynamics, A Companion to Religion, Politics, and Nation:
Offers a fresh perspective on the global reconfiguration of religion's role in modern politics Examines the impact of national communities on religious practices and political behaviors Provides critical analysis of the relationship between domestic and international politics Features comprehensive case studies and cutting-edge research contributions
A Companion to Religion, Politics, and Nation is essential reading for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in political science, religious studies, anthropology, and history. It is also a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers working in the fields of religion, governance, and international relations.
Table of Contents Section 1: Religion, Politics and Nation: What do we know? 1. Liah Greenfeld, Boston University: Nation and Political Modernity 2. Jeffrey Haynes, London Metropolitan University: Religion and International Relations 3. Atalia Omer, University of Notre Dame: Religion and Nationalism 4. Mary Jo Neitz, University of Missouri: Religion, Nationalism and Gender 5. Lori Beaman, University of Ottawa: Religion, Law and Nationalism 6. Tariq Modood and Erdem Dikici, University of Britsol: Religion and Multiculturalism in Liberal European Democracies Section 2: Religion, Nation and Populism 7. Michael J. Walsh, Columbia University, Sacredness of the Chinese Nation 8. Gregory J. Goalwin, Aurora University, The Role of Religion in Nation-building: Turkey and Ireland 9. Pal Kolsto, University of Oslo/ Marlene Laruelle, George Washington University, Orthodoxy and Nation-building in Russia 10. David Borabeck, University of Oxford, How Much Religion in the Jewish Nation-State? - finalized 11. Babacar Mbengue, DePaul Univeristy, Religion and Ethnicity in Contemporary Senegal 12. Takashi Kibe, International Christian University, Religion and Secularism Paradox in the Building of the Japanese Nation 13. Joanildo Burity, Joaquim Nabuco Foundation, Evengelicals: Populist of Inter-nationalist? Exploring Latin American and Brazilian Connections Section 3: Tolerance, Religious Freedom and Human Rights 14. Roshan Jahangeer, York University: Women and Laicite in France 15. Terrence Johnson, Harvard Divinity School, Race, Religion, and American Nationalism 16. Betül Yarar, Universität Bremen, Women Bodies and the Turkish Nation 17. Vrinda Narain and Asma Hamam, McGill University – Nationhood, Equality and the Hijab 18. Thomas Sealy, Religion and Multiculturalism in Liberal European Democracies Section 4: Globalization and Postnationalism 19. Victor Roudometof, University of Cyprus, Global Orthodoxy or Postnational Orthodoxy 20. Oliver Scharbrodt, Lund University, Transnational Shia Network and the Islamic Republic of Iran 21. Peter Phan, Georgetown University: The Catholic Church in the Globalized World: From Vatican II to Fratelli Tutti 22. Vinicius Rodriguez: Religion and Market 23. Farida Fozdar and Adam Possomai : Religion and Postnationalism
Dr. Jocelyne Cesari is Chair of Religion and Politics at the University of Birmingham (UK) and Senior Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. She was awarded the 2025 Susanne Hoeber Rudolph Outstanding Scholar Award from the American Political Science Association. Her most recent book, We God’s Nations: Political Christianity, Islam and Hinduism in the World of Nations (2022), was awarded the 2023 Book Prize by the Scientific Society for the Study of Religion.
