Religion, Diplomacy Peace

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Religion has often been faulted for being the root cause of so many of the world's violent conflicts. It has also been associated with numerous other forms of oppression and violence (e.g. Taliban rule in Afghanistan, and Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and the persecution of minority religious groups worldwide). However, religion has also been at the heart of some of the most powerful and transformative peace movements in human history as well, and it continues to serve as the impetus behind activists worldwide seeking to provide sustainable solutions to the conflicts plaguing their communities. This class will guide students through a series of case studies that demonstrate the various ways in which religion and faith can drive peacebuilding efforts at all levels of diplomacy—from conventional forms of state-level diplomacy efforts to the various efforts led by non-state actors—including those that are grassroots-led.