Christian approaches to international affairs / Jodok Troy.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Troy, Jodok.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Christianity and international relations.

Physical Description:

x, 214 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire ; New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2012.

Summary:

The power and influence that religion and religious actors wield is often underestimated by political leaders and international relations theorists. This stems from a lack of application of traditional social science methodology to this area, a balance which this book seeks to redress. Analysing religious issues and their intersection with international politics and international relations theory on a global scale, Jodok Troy illustrates the potential which theoretical approaches such as Realism and the English School have for a better understanding of religion in the context of politics. The book conveys how alternative theoretical approaches from philosophy, theology and anthropology can help in the exploration of the growing impact of religion on revolutions, diplomacy, war and peace. Book jacket.

Contents:

Part I Religion in the International Realm

1 The power of the 'legions not always visible on parade' 3

1.1 Realism, the English School, and religion 7

1.2 Outline of the book 17

1.3 The ambivalence of religion 19

2 The resurgence of religion in global politics 27

2.1 The sociology of religion 28

2.2 Religion and conflict 34

2.3 Religion and (un-)civil society 42

3 The Christian context: religion as being 53

3.1 Religion and power 55

3.2 Mimesis and the Decalogue 58

3.3 The challenge of a personal God 61

Part II Theoretical Implications

4 The unending struggle: inside and outside the box 65

4.1 MacIntyre's narrative theory 72

4.2 The narrative logic of suicide terrorism 76

4.3 Constructivism 79

5 The English School: modes of society 86

5.1 'From international, to world society' 91

5.2 Pluralism, world society and religion 96

5.3 Diversity and religious actors 100

6 Realism: overcoming evil 103

6.1 Evil and pessimism or virtues? 106

6.2 The katéchon and the lesser evil 109

6.3 Religion and 20th-century Realism 113

Part III Conclusion

7 Another notion of religion in world politics 123

7.1 Theorizing religion and international relations 128

7.2 Three cases for the better 130

7.3 Thinking differently of religion in global politics 139.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780230362918

0230362915

OCLC:

785873596

Online:

Cover image