John Hanshaw (l), director of the Washington Film Institute, and filmmaker Hamzah Jamjoom. (STAFF PHOTO PHIL PASQUINI)
Everyone knows that two things one should never discuss in social settings are religion and politics. However, religion plays an important role in the decisions made by leaders around the world. This often underappreciated relationship between religion and policymaking is explored by Georgetown University research professor Shireen Hunter in her latest book, God On Our Side: Religion in International Affairs. Hunter discussed her findings at a Jan. 25 event hosted by Georgetown University.
While the idea of religion influencing politics is most commonly associated with non-Western nations, Hunter argued that religion plays a role in shaping the politics of all nations. Even in an increasingly non-believing Europe, religious traditions play a crucial role in the construction of culture and national identity. Traditions such as the sound of church bells ringing are a part of a “cultural religion,” she said, and are thus meaningful even if they have no deep theological gravitas. It is in part this phenomenon of “cultural religion” that leads to individuals developing deep ties to their native country, Hunter explained, and can foster a backlash to multiculturalism. This fear of losing their culture and traditions can in part explain the rise of populism and nationalistic movements in Europe, she said, and also helps explain why many in Europe are opposed to Turkey joining the European Union.
Religion is also a useful tool that can be used by governments to mobilize their citizens, Hunter noted. An estimated 84 percent of the world believes in some type of higher power, meaning that most people have certain moral values that can be manipulated by their leaders. “Power always needs ideas,” Hunter said, and any cause must have ideas to function. Exercising power often requires sacrifice, and sacrifices require something to believe in. Since people obviously believe in religion, it is easy to get them to believe in sacrifices for the sake of their religion.
However, religion’s influence does have a limit, Hunter pointed out. For national leaders, vital state interests will almost always take precedence over matters of religion or culture, Hunter said.
Another main factor that comes into play when dealing with religion in international affairs is the role of non-state actors, such as ISIS or Hezbollah. Though much has been made of the rise of non-state actors, Hunter believes these groups don’t pose an existential threat to the nation-state system. Many non-state actors have a certain level of dependency on states, she pointed out. Hezbollah, for instance, receives support from Iran, meaning that it’s in some way bound to a state actor.
Hunter also noted that some non-state actors came into being with the assistance of states—and now, ironically, pose a threat to those same states. As an example, she cited the Taliban, which she said was in part propped up by Pakistan. The lesson here, Hunter concluded, is that “creations can devour the master.”
—Mark Hamilton
