Religious Resurgence and International Relations Mainstream Theories: The Imperative for Theoretical Rethink and expansion

Abstract

This paper examines the implications of religious resurgence for international relations (IR). It argues that the rationalist character of IR mainstream theories makes them reluctant to factor in religion into the analysis of international relations but instead treat religion as being irrelevant in the conduct of state actors. However, the paper takes exception to this foundational position and avers inter alia that religion transcends the unobservable spiritual meaning to material reality with grave repercussions for the working of the international system and the foreign policy of states. The paper recommends a rethink and expansion of IR discipline to accommodate the ever visible impact of religion in international relations.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p535