Religion, the Missing Dimension of Statecraft

As the Cold War era becomes history, we are entering an age when international conflict is increasingly based on racial, ethnic, national, and religious clashes--the most intractable sources of conflict, and those with which conventional diplomacy is least suited to deal. The particularly American tendency to separate political from spiritual life often tends to ignore a vital aspect of international relations--one that can be a powerful tool in negotiations. Religion plays a crucial role in many international conflicts, yet for the most part, diplomacy either ignores or misunderstands its role. This unified collection of case studies and theoretical pieces attempts to restore this missing dimension to its rightful place in the conduct of international diplomacy. Sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., this study offers the first systematic account of modern cases in which religious or spiritual factors have played a helpful role in preventing or resolving conflict and achieving non-violent socio-political change. Written by a distinguished roster of scholars, the cases presented span the globe, with examples from Europe, Central America, Asia, and Africa. Additional essays summarize the findings of these case studies to bring out their implications for foreign policy and the religious community. In the Foreword, former President Jimmy Carter states that the book "poses a challenge to diplomats and politicians, religious figures and laypersons, analysts and academics alike." Conceived to help call attention to and reinforce the positive contribution that religious and spiritual influences can bring to peacemaking, this important study offers practical guidelines for the future application of this kind of peacemaking in existing and incipient conflict situations.

About the Author :
Douglas Johnston is Chief Operating Officer of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Cynthia Sampson is Director of the Research, Religion and Conflict Project, also at CSIS.

Review :
"This book brings a refreshing change....Brings badly needed balance into the discussion of religion and international affairs."--Foreign Affairs "Religion and the passion it generates are a major aspect of our humanity, hence a major force not only in the lives of individuals but in the fate of nations. As the various authors of this edifying book keep reminding us, the aphorism that we don't live by bread alone has enormous political and strategic implications."--Robert Coles, Washington Post Book World "Religion, The Missing Dimension of Statecraft holds lessons not only for government officials but also for religious leaders willing to take initiatives for peace. It should encourage the growth of diplomatically engaged religion as well as religiously informed diplomacy."--Peter Steinfels, The New York Times "Eminently readable, provocative, stimulating for specialists in both foreign affairs and religion, Religion, the Missing Dimension of Statecraft must be read by anyone concerned about conflict resolution, and the positive role religion ca play in creating a more peaceful and just world."-Bulletin of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies "This book brings a refreshing change....The editors' concluding comments try not to overstate the positive role of religion, but the book brings badly needed balance into the discussion of religion and international affairs."--Foreign Affairs "Religion and the passion it generates are a major aspect of our humanity, hence a major force not only in the lives of individuals but in the fate of nations. As the various authors of this edifying book keep reminding us, the aphorism that we don't live by bread alone has enormous political and strategic implications."--Robert Coles, Washington Post Book World "Religion, The Missing Dimension of Statecraft holds lessons not only for government officials but also for religious leaders willing to take initiatives for peace. It should encourage the growth of diplomatically engaged religion as well as religiously informed diplomacy."--Peter Steinfels, The New York Times "A splendid piece of writing that makes a major contribution to the fields of international relations, diplomacy, conflict resolution, religion and peacebuilding. This book breaks new ground and is must reading."--Ambassador John W. McDonald, For A Change "We have witnessed so much violence, war and death in the name of `religion' in recent years, that we may overlook many instances around the world when the unifying power of true religious faith has helped heal differences and facilitated peace. Doug Johnston's Religion, The Missing Dimension of Statecraft is an important book bringing together respected scholars to document these successful efforts. Those, both in and out of governments, who seek non-violent ways to reconcile differences will find useful insights into the potential of these religious peacemakers."--Sam Nunn, Chairman, Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senate "A thoughtful collection of first-rate essays on a topic of increasing importance in contemporary world politics."--Henry A. Kissinger, Former U.S. Secretary of State "It is evident that many situations around the world today are profoundly affected by religious factors. While religious differences often stimulate or worsen confrontation, paradoxically the spiritual commonalities deep within all faiths promise a way to reconciliation. This book should serve to promote inter-religious understanding and add to the tools that diplomacy can employ for peace."--Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary General, United Nations "To transform the world, one cannot focus just on nuts and bolts. Our central challenge is to overcome the global crisis of the spirit. That is why Religion, The Missing Dimension of Statecraft is both timely and extremely important."--Zbigniew Brzezinski, Former U.S. National Security Adviser "Thank God for this new introduction to the religious sphere and to its reconciliatory power over the great areas of conflict in our world. I hope that Europe will soon have reached this stage."--Cardinal Dr. Franz Konig, Former Archbishop of Vienna "This book provides scholarly backing for the suspicion that a religious spirit may have nurtured some of the unlikely political handshakes occurring in the modern world. I commend it to those who think they are religious as well as those who are glad they are not."--Rajmohan Gandhi "An intriguing book."--Arpad Göncz, President, Republic of Hungary "This publication provides fresh perspectives that identify the influence of religion on apartheid, rearmament, sanctuary, the conduct of war, etc."--American Society of International Law "[A] careful yet inspiring anthology....This collection of original essays appears at an opportune moment....This collection succeeds admirably in rapidly making its title inaccurate; religion can no more be called statecraft's missing dimension."--Fellowship "This book breaks new ground and deserves serious reflection....complex, and to my mind, profound. It is surely time for scholars to take the religion dimension seriously."--The Royal Institute of International Affairs "It is a book that throws light on the positive role religion can play in conflict resolution....the case studies are well-written, well-researched, and illuminating."--Journal of Church and State "A unique and timely discourse on a subject long missing from the debate. At last a sound and reasoned approach to the question on religion and international politics."--Dr. Clinton G. Hewan, Northern Kentucky University "This book does for international affairs what Stephen Carter's superb polemic he Culture of Disbelief did for domestic politics: It reminds us that religion matters."--Books & Culture "...a good read for both religious and political leaders."--Lexington Theological Quarterly "An excellent treatment of a much neglected area of political discourse."--Frances S. Adeney, University of Southern California