There is a growing realization among scholars of international relations that religion is an important factor in global politics. Numerous events have led to this realization. Among these events are the Iranian Revolution, the September 11 attacks, the rise of Al Qaeda on the international scene and the ethno-religious conflicts such as the ones in the former Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka and the Middle East. The successes of religious political parties across the world ranging from the Christian Democrats in Europe to Bharatiya Janata Party in India similarly illustrated religion's growing...

There is a growing realization among international relations scholars and practitioners that religion is a critical factor in global politics. The Iranian Revolution, the September 11 attacks, the ethno-religious conflicts such as the ones in the former Yugoslavia and Sri Lanka are among the many reasons for this increased focus on religion in international affairs. The rise of religious political parties across the world ranging from the Christian Democrats in Europe to Bharatiya Janata Party in India similarly illustrated religion's heightened international profile.

Despite all...