Relig/Ethics/World Affairs Sem

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Overview Under the post-World War II Liberal World Order, religion and ethics were able to shape and influence the course of international affairs. Human rights, religious pluralism, and democracy all advanced. Religious groups were active in peacemaking, the settlement of refugees, relief and development work and of coalitions supporting humanitarian intervention. The U.S., Canada and the U.K. appointed ambassadors and established offices for international religious freedom. With the eclipse of the Liberal World Order, the growth of nationalism, the spread of xenophobia and the advance of “illiberal democracy,” it is growing harder to advance the international agenda of religious groups, humanitarian agencies and value-based foreign policy lobbies. The class will examine the gains made under the Liberal World Order and then inquire as to the possible pathways for religion and ethics to contribute to in today’s swirling international environment.