Right-Sizing Religion and Religious Engagement in Diplomacy and Development

Abstract

Drawing on a combination of academic research and practical experience, this essay explores recent policy trends at the intersection of religion and diplomacy. Framing the issue in terms of a need to “right-size” approaches to religion in foreign policy, this analysis reflects on how to think about assessing the relevance of religion in particular diplomatic and developmental settings; efforts to determine the appropriate scope of religious engagement work in diplomacy; and the challenge of building broader constituencies within the policy community to support religious engagement work.

Keywords:

• religion
• diplomacy
• development
• foreign policy
• religious engagement

Acknowledgments

Publication of this response essay as part of a special open-access issue of The Review of Faith & International Affairs was made possible by the Templeton Religion Trust.

Notes

1 https://www.usaid.gov/faith-and-opportunity-initiatives/2020-evidence-summit-strategic-religious-engagement.

 

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter Mandaville

Peter Mandaville is Professor of International Affairs in the Schar School of Policy and Government and Director of the Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies, both at George Mason University. He is also a Senior Research Fellow at Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs and a Visiting Senior Expert at the United States Institute of Peace. He previously served as a member of the U.S. State Department’s Policy Planning Staff and later as a Senior Advisor in its Office of Religion and Global Affairs.