Religious belief and politics

The process of secularisation, characterised by, among other things, a reduction in the role faith plays in people’s everyday lives and a diminution of the authority of religious institutions, continues apace in many countries, particularly those in the West. However, despite this trend, the role and influence of religious belief in politics remains significant and by some measures has arguably increased, as evidenced by recent electoral successes of populist religious parties and legislatures informed by religion.

This Collection is dedicated to showcasing research that interrogates the place, influence and role of organised religion, religious faith or religiously inspired ideology in politics at the international and domestic levels.

Research is invited that is inspired by different approaches and methodologies, including scholarship that cuts across different disciplines. Non-Eurocentric perspectives are particularly encouraged.

Research is welcomed on a range of themes, including but not restricted to the place of religion and religious belief in relation to the following:

• Democracy and democratisation

• Political parties and political movements

• National identity and citizenship

• Populism, nationalism, authoritarianism and illiberalism

• ‘Culture wars’ and identity politics

• Political and secular ideology

• Policy making

• Morality politics and ethics

• Legislative behaviour and decision making

• International relations

• Regional development

• Conflict, war and peacebuilding processes

• Race and sexual/gender identity

• Faith-based extremism and terrorism

• Religious freedom and pluralism

• Inter- and intra- religious dialogue

• Non-belief and atheism

• Faith-based NGOs and other non-government actors

• Religious revival in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, and Asia

• Church—state relations