Religion, Politics and Strategic Studies

Abstract

Religion is a sometimes neglected factor in international relations. Awareness of the influence of religion and other aspects of culture on foreign policy assists students of international relations in their efforts to understand international politics. Like everyone else, students of international relations draw on their own values and religious beliefs in responding to policy questions. With the exception of the "Postscript", this article was written prior to September 11, 2001, but these events may reinforce the article's argument that religious factors deserve attention from students of foreign policy.