The Revival of Faith in World Politics

In recent decades, religion has reemerged as an influential factor in international politics, disrupting the secular consensus that prevailed throughout much of the 20th century. During this period, the theory of secularization, promoted by thinkers such as Peter Berger and Charles Taylor, dominated academic and political thought. It was assumed that modernization would inevitably lead to the decline of religious influence in the public sphere, relegating religion to the private domain and diminishing its importance in international relations.

However, reality has proven to be more complex. The resurgence of religion as a significant political force has challenged the premises of the secularization theory. In his book “The Sacred Canopy,” Peter Berger argues that religion has not only persisted but has also experienced a resurgence in many parts of the world. Meanwhile, Charles Taylor, in his work “A Secular Age,” explores the transformations of religion in modernity and how it has adopted new forms and expressions.

In this context, Juan Gabriel Tokatlian’s recent work “Unsolicited Advice on International Politics” offers an additional perspective on the role of religion in contemporary international relations. Tokatlian analyzes how religion has moved from being a latent force to becoming a central actor in global politics. His work highlights the need to understand the political and social implications of this paradigm shift.

The analyses of Berger, Taylor, and Tokatlian converge on the idea that religion has regained its relevance in the public sphere and in international politics. Far from disappearing, religion has demonstrated its ability to adapt and transform in response to the challenges of modernity. This religious resurgence has had a significant impact on shaping international relations, influencing conflicts, alliances, and political decision-making at the global level.

The Marginalization of Religion in the 20th Century

For much of the 20th century, especially during the Cold War era, religion was considered a matter of “low politics.” International relations were dominated by “high politics,” focused on the confrontation between East and West, the arms race, and nuclear deterrence. In this context, religion seemed to lack the capacity to significantly influence international dynamics. This perception was rooted in the theory of secularization, which predicted a progressive detachment of religion from public life as societies modernized. Peter Berger, in “The Social Reality of Religion,” analyzed how religion provided a “sacred canopy” that legitimized the social order, a canopy that began to fragment with modernization and secularization.

However, this perception underestimated the persistence and latent power of religion in the international sphere. Although relegated, religion never ceased to be present in global affairs. Notable examples include the role of the Vatican in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and papal mediation in international conflicts such as the Beagle dispute between Chile and Argentina. These interventions showed that religion, far from being a relic of the past, remained a force capable of influencing global politics, albeit more subtly and less visibly than traditional actors.

The Resurgence of Religion in International Politics

From the late 20th century onward, and more pronouncedly in the 21st century, religion has experienced a significant resurgence on the international stage. This phenomenon has manifested in various forms, from the rise of religious fundamentalist movements to the growing influence of religion in the foreign policies of several countries. This resurgence challenges the theory of secularization and demonstrates that, far from disappearing, religion has found new ways to influence global politics.

Tokatlian emphasizes that this resurgence is not a mere return to old forms of religiosity but involves a revitalization of religious traditions that now manifest with renewed vigor. Charles Taylor, in his work “A Secular Age,” analyzes how secularization has not eliminated religion but has transformed its manifestations. Instead of a secular homogenization, we live in a time of spiritual pluralism, where religion remains a source of meaning in a context of complex modernity.

Peter Berger and Samuel Huntington, in “Many Globalizations,” highlight that globalization has allowed religions to globalize and reinforce their local identities, adapting to and resisting the homogenizing pressures of modernity.

A key aspect of this resurgence is the growing importance of religion in identity politics. In many countries, religion has become a central component of national and cultural identity, leading to its increased visibility and influence in international politics. This phenomenon has been intensified by demographic growth in regions with high religious influence and by the resurgence of religious fundamentalisms that, in some cases, have contributed to the radicalization of certain sectors of the population.

Religious Fundamentalisms and International Conflicts

Religious fundamentalisms have played a prominent role in the resurgence of religion in international politics. These movements have succeeded in mobilizing large segments of the population around ideologies that blend the political and the religious, challenging secular power structures and generating tensions both domestically and internationally. In turn, digital technology has amplified these dynamics, allowing radical religious movements to use digital platforms to mobilize followers and spread their messages globally, exacerbating international tensions.

Tokatlian emphasizes that these fundamentalisms are not isolated phenomena but are part of a broader global trend where religion has become a decisive factor in the formulation of foreign policies and in shaping international conflicts. Religious-inspired terrorism is one of the most notorious examples of how fundamentalisms have crossed national borders to become a global concern.

The author also mentions that the influence of these movements has led some states to consider religion as a matter of national security. This has resulted in foreign policies aimed at containing the spread of radical religious ideologies, but which at the same time can exacerbate conflicts by legitimizing the use of force in the name of defending religious or cultural values.

Strategies to Address the Instrumentalization of Religion

To address the challenges posed by the instrumentalization of religion in international politics, it is necessary to adopt a multidimensional approach that involves religious, political, and civil society leaders. Some proposed strategies include:

1. Promoting Interreligious Dialogue: Encouraging mutual understanding and respect between different religious communities can help counter the manipulation of religion for violent purposes. This dialogue should be promoted not only at the diplomatic level but also through international platforms such as the United Nations and the European Union, which can facilitate interreligious encounters addressing local and global conflicts.

2. Addressing the Root Causes of Conflicts: Diplomatic efforts must focus on the political, economic, and social roots of conflicts rather than allowing religion to become the sole defining factor. Resolving these underlying causes can reduce reliance on religion as a justification for violence.

3. Supporting Moderate Religious Leaders: Strengthening the voices of religious leaders who promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence can counteract extremist narratives. These leaders have the potential to influence their communities and foster a more humane and peaceful interpretation of religious teachings.

4. Promoting Education and Critical Thinking: Encouraging religious education and critical thinking can help people resist manipulation and extremist propaganda. A deep and reflective understanding of religious doctrines is essential to prevent them from being misinterpreted or distorted for violent purposes. Successful educational programs in various parts of the world have proven effective in countering religious radicalization.

5. Interreligious Cooperation on Global Challenges: Encouraging religious leaders and communities to work together on common challenges such as poverty, climate change, and the refugee crisis can foster solidarity and reduce tensions. When mobilized for the common good, religion has the power to unite people of different beliefs in the pursuit of shared goals.

6. Developing a Multilevel Approach to Interreligious Dialogue: International organizations and NGOs can play a crucial role in facilitating interreligious dialogue at the local, regional, and global levels. This multilevel approach can positively influence state diplomacy and promote peaceful coexistence through mutual respect and intercultural understanding.

Religion as Soft Power in Foreign Policy

One of the most interesting developments highlighted by Tokatlian is the use of religion as a form of “soft power” in foreign policy. This concept, introduced by Joseph Nye, refers to a country’s ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than through force or coercion. In this sense, religion has become a powerful tool for projecting cultural and moral influence globally.

Countries like China, Russia, and the United States have used religion as a means to gain influence in strategic regions. Religious diplomacy has become a key component of these countries’ foreign policies, whether through supporting specific religious groups, promoting religious values in international forums, or using religion as a bridge to improve relations with other nations. Additionally, technology has enabled these countries to amplify their religious influence, reaching global audiences and strengthening their soft power.

For example, the role of the evangelical vote in the U.S. presidential elections has been widely documented. This group has not only influenced domestic politics but has also had a significant impact on foreign policy, particularly in decisions related to Israel and the Middle East. Religious diplomacy has also been seen in how the Vatican has addressed global issues such as climate change and migration, using its moral authority to influence international policies.

Artificial Intelligence and Religion in International Relations

The growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in international relations is beginning to compete with the traditional role of religion in several key aspects. While religion has historically been a moral force and mediator in international conflicts, AI offers new tools for conflict resolution, cultural diplomacy, and data-driven policy formulation.

AI can compete with religion in its ability to mediate and resolve conflicts. Through the analysis of massive data and predictive models, AI can provide impartial, evidence-based solutions, surpassing human limitations and, in some cases, offering a more efficient alternative to religious mediation, which may be influenced by inherent biases. Additionally, AI is improving in understanding and adapting to cultural differences, enabling diplomats to navigate complex international contexts with a sensitivity that has traditionally been the domain of religious actors.

Similarly, in the sphere of moral influence and normative formulation, AI could play a complementary or even competitive role to religion. AI’s ability to identify ethical patterns and promote principles based on universal data can influence the creation of international policies that reflect a more inclusive, less biased, and adaptive vision to the changing realities of a globalized world.

Although AI does not possess the moral depth or spiritual authority that religion brings, its ability to facilitate interreligious dialogue, build consensus, and offer policies based on robust data may represent a new dynamic in global politics. This combination of advanced technologies and traditional moral principles could redefine international relations in the coming decades.

Implications for the Future of International Relations

The resurgence of religion in international politics has profound and lasting implications for the future of international relations. Tokatlian argues that this phenomenon poses significant challenges to the secular international order that prevailed throughout much of the 20th century. The growing influence of religion suggests a possible revival of implicitly confessional states, where religion and politics are more explicitly intertwined. This could lead to a reordering of international alliances, where religious and cultural affinities could play a role equal to or more important than traditional geopolitical interests.

Moreover, the increasing religious diversity and global demographic changes could reshape power dynamics in a multipolar world. International alliances could form around shared religious identities, further complicating international dynamics by introducing new variables into the equation of international relations, where religious loyalties could surpass political and economic considerations.

Opportunities also exist in interreligious cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, migration crises, and poverty. When mobilized for the common good, religion has the power to unite people of different beliefs in the pursuit of shared goals, promoting solidarity and joint action beyond religious divisions.

Religion and Human Rights: Tensions and Challenges

The tensions that sometimes arise between religion and universal human rights cannot be ignored. Certain religious practices and doctrines can conflict with fundamental principles such as gender equality, freedom of expression, and non-discrimination. The persecution of religious minorities, violence in the name of religion, and practices such as female genital mutilation are examples of dilemmas that require a balanced diplomatic and multilateral response.

A balanced approach must respect religious freedom while protecting fundamental human rights. This involves:

1. Dialogue and Understanding: Promoting dialogue between religious leaders, human rights advocates, and policymakers is essential to finding common ground and promoting mutual respect that allows for peaceful coexistence.

2. Progressive Interpretations: Encouraging religious interpretations compatible with universal human rights is a crucial step toward achieving change from within religious traditions. This approach can help reconcile tensions between faith and the universal principles of justice and equity.

3. Legal Protection: Ensuring that national and international laws protect human rights and provide remedies against discrimination or persecution on religious grounds is fundamental to global justice.

4. Diplomacy and International Pressure: Diplomacy should be used to urge states to respect human rights and end discriminatory practices based on religion. International pressure can be an effective tool for achieving significant changes in this area.

Conclusions

Religion has transcended its traditionally marginal role in international relations to become a central actor decisively influencing global politics. This resurgence, far from being a mere return to old forms of religiosity, reflects a profound transformation that is reshaping the international order. However, this newfound prominence of religion in international politics brings with it both significant challenges and critical opportunities.

One of the main challenges is the possibility that religion may be instrumentalized to justify violence and discrimination. Religious fundamentalisms and radicalization have shown that, in its most extreme expression, religion can be used to exacerbate conflicts, destabilize regions, and violate fundamental human rights. This underscores the urgent need for a concerted effort by religious, political, and civil leaders to promote sincere interreligious dialogue, deep mutual understanding, and an unwavering commitment to protecting universal human rights. Only through these actions can we mitigate the risks associated with the instrumentalization of religion and maximize its potential as a force for the common good.

On the other hand, the resurgence of religion also offers unique opportunities to build a more inclusive and understanding international order. When mobilized for the common good, religion has the power to unite diverse communities in the fight against global challenges such as climate change, migration crises, and poverty. Religion’s ability to inspire solidarity and cooperation beyond cultural and national borders could be crucial in addressing the most pressing problems of our time.

The introduction of artificial intelligence into this landscape adds a new layer of complexity and potential. AI, with its ability to analyze large-scale data, facilitate intercultural dialogues, and generate evidence-based policies, could complement or even compete with religion in certain aspects of diplomacy and international mediation. However, AI also raises questions about dehumanization and the risk of perpetuating biases, requiring a rigorous ethical approach and clear regulations to avoid negative consequences.

Looking to the future, it is likely that religion and artificial intelligence will become interdependent actors in international politics. As religious diversity and demographic changes continue to shape global dynamics, we may see the emergence of new international alliances based on shared religious affinities, influenced and enhanced by advanced technologies. This could transform power dynamics in a multipolar world, creating both new opportunities for cooperation and unprecedented challenges that will require a coordinated and multifaceted global response.

Ultimately, the evolution of religion and artificial intelligence in international politics has the potential to profoundly redefine the future of international relations. The path we choose will depend on our ability to wisely manage these developments, balancing opportunities with risks, and promoting continuous dialogue and a shared commitment to a more just, peaceful, and connected world.