Preventing the Leveraging of Religious and Ideological Beliefs

Journal of Development Economics, 2016

The relationship between religion and politics is explored from a theoretical standpoint, assuming that religious clerics can be coopted by the ruler acting as an autocrat. The comparative effects of decentralized versus centralized religions on the optimal level of cooperation between the autocrat and the religious clerics, which itself impinges upon political stability, is analysed. The paper shows that the presence of a decentralized body of clerics makes autocratic regimes more unstable. It also shows that in time of stability, the level of reforms is larger with a centralized religion than with a decentralized one. When the autocrat in the decentralized case pushes more reforms than in the centralized one, he always does so at the cost of stability. Historical case studies are presented that serve to illustrate the main results.

Philosophy of Religion eJournal, 2016

The relationship between religion and politics is explored from a theoretical standpoint, assuming that religious clerics can be seduced by the ruler acting as an autocrat. The comparative effects of decentralized versus centralized religions on the optimal level of cooperation between the autocrat and the religious clerics, which itself impinges upon political stability, is analysed. The paper shows that the presence of a decentralized body of clerics makes autocratic regimes more unstable. It also shows that in time of stability, the level of reforms is larger with a centralized religion than with a decentralized one. When the autocrat in the decentralized case pushes more reforms than in the centralized one, he always does so at the cost of stability. Historical case studies are presented that serve to illustrate the main results.

Economics of Transition, 2017

The relationship between religion and politics is explored from a theoretical standpoint. Religious clerics can be seduced by an autocrat and political stability is at stake. The autocrat's decisions consist of two measures susceptible of antagonising religious clerics: adopting secular reforms and unduly appropriating part of national wealth, which generally are complement. Compared to centralized religions, decentralized religions, such as Islam, tend to discourage secular reforms and corruption but those effects are not guaranteed if the autocrat accepts political instability. The main hypotheses and the central results of the theory are illustrated with regime case studies that refer to contemporary times.

The persistence of religious conflict necessitates analysis of its causes, features, and consequences. This project focuses on one dimension of religious conflict in particular – its impact on democracy. Specifically, this project addresses how religious differences (both in terms of piety and religious diversity in a given country) translate into regime outcomes. It analyzes two mechanisms by which salient religious divisions lead to non-democracy; first, by legitimizing authoritarian regimes, and second, by unsettling democratic arrangements.

The increasing number of religious conflicts and the new focus that accompanied it mostly failed to establish a connection between their arguments and what we observe in the real world. In many of these studies the discrepancy was caused by the conceptualization of the term "religious conflict." While many chose to focus solely on conflicts between groups from different religions or sects, we argue that a wider approach is needed. Instead of basing our case selection on religious or sectarian differences, one needs to look at conflicts that center around the issue of religion in general. The resurgence of religion movements following the recent regime changes in the Middle East requires societies to re-define the role of religion in politics. Since a large number of religious tensions present around the world does not turn violent, we believe one first needs to determine the factors influencing the likelihood and the level of violence in conflicts over the role of religion. Two factors appear to be important: institutional strength and belief system. In order to test this argument we turn our attention to Egypt where following the fall of Mubarak the main axis of conflict is over the role religion will play in the new political system.

WordPress, 2022

Authoritarian leaders who play the religious card are not mere hypocrites. There’s something far more troubling going on. Authoritarian leaders who play the religious card are not mere hypocrites. There’s something far more troubling going on Viktor Orbán reportedly does not attend church. Benjamin Netanyahu eats at non-kosher restaurants. New York Donald Trump lacks all manner of evident religious virtue. Yet it is a fact that today’s crop of aspiring authoritarians invokes religious themes and symbols, despite not being strict adherents to their respective traditions. Of course, there is nothing new about the opportunistic use of religion by politicians. The scholars Garret Martin and Carolyn Gallaher have remarked that ‘Orbán’s use of religion is no different from Ronald Reagan’s embrace of Christian evangelicals in the late 1970s.’

This course introduces students to the major social science theories of religion. We look at the explanatory value of these theories for various aspects of politics: institutions and structures, political parties, civil society and social movements, conflict, and economic development. What effect does religion have on politics within and across societies? How effective are current theories in adequately explaining the interplay between religion and political life? The course encourages a dialogue on different methodological approaches to the study of religion and politics. This includes looking at area studies approaches and those who prefer a rational choice approach.

Religion and Policy Journal, 2023

Research Problem: This qualitative research addresses the intricate relationship between religion, politics, and societal dynamics, focusing on historical contexts in the early 7th century Islamic Caliphate and contemporary Saudi Arabia. It aims to understand how religion influences political decisions and societal structures, both historically and in the present day. Research purposes: The primary purpose of this study is to analyze the spread of Islam's impact on governance and societal norms, particularly examining the dominance of Islamic governance in the early 7th century Caliphate and its evolution over time. Additionally, it seeks to empirically demonstrate the role of religious authorities in shaping governmental policies in contemporary Saudi Arabia. Research methods: Methodologically, this research employs qualitative analysis techniques, utilizes unique datasets, and adopts a comparative approach. It delves into historical records and contemporary observations to uncover nuanced interactions between religious institutions and political choices. Results and Discussion: The study reveals the historical dominance of Islamic governance and its subsequent evolution due to various societal and political movements. It also provides empirical evidence of the significant role religious authorities play in shaping governmental policies in contemporary Saudi Arabia, particularly in social and legal frameworks. The research discusses the influence of religious leaders on their followers and explores the role of clerics in shaping public opinion and political participation. Research Implications and Contributions: This study has several implications and contributions. Firstly, it enriches our understanding of the intricate dynamics between Islam and politics, offering valuable insights into the historical depth and contemporary significance of this interconnected relationship. Secondly, it contributes to comparative political research by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Huntington's clash of civilizations thesis, highlighting the ongoing relevance of religious influences in Middle Eastern political systems. Finally, it sheds light on the role of religious authorities in shaping governmental policies and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of considering religious dynamics in political analyses and decision-making processes.

ransformation of Religion Interdisciplinary Perspectives , 2023

The term "political religion" has acquired a range of rather varied meanings, the terminology changing according to historical circumstances. It originated in the interwar period as an expression for the new phenomenon of secularist totalitarianisms, lacking a transcendental perspective that gives meaning to the lives of citizens and a basis for political order (Eric Voegelin). The widespread usage of quasi-religious rituals and cults by secularist autocratic and totalitarian regimes for propaganda purposes turning them into "political religions" was analyzed by Hans Meier, who used the term as a heuristic tool. As a response to secularism many societies today see a revival of political movements driven by religious convictions. In the course of this geopolitical shift "political religions" has acquired yet another meaning. The ethical challenges this poses are outlined in the last part of the paper. What is at stake here is a reconciliation of the normative political inventions of modernity with religious traditions and moral codes as central condition for peaceful developments worldwide.