Religion and Democracy: A Worldwide Comparison

This new edition empirically assesses the relationship between religion and democracy, looking at global, regional, and individual countries perspectives. It tests the validity of Huntington's claim that democracy and religion are tightly connected and evaluates the broader assumptions that the introduction and stability of a democratic form of government are dependent on the dominating religion. It also delves deeper into the religion–state nexus, focusing on events that have taken place during the last decade.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This fully updated new edition delves into the intricate relationship between religion and democracy, offering a comprehensive examination from global, regional, and individual perspectives. Drawing upon a vast array of quantitative data, the author aims to validate Huntington's assertion that democracy and religion are intricately linked, with Western Christianity being the sole religion capable of fostering democratic institutions. The book scrutinizes the broader assumption that the introduction and stability of a democratic form of government are contingent upon the dominant religion within a country at the macro level, as well as the suggestion that religious adherence is associated with pro-democratic values at the individual level.

Spanning a wide range of religions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Chinese folk religion, and Judaism, the book demonstrates that geographical and political contexts hold greater significance than religious affiliation in shaping levels of and attitudes toward democracy. Moreover, this new edition delves deeper into the religion-state nexus, shedding light on the instrumentalization of religion by political leaders across different regions of the world. It also explores the growing pressures faced by religious minorities in secularized environments, the prospects for democracy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region a decade after the Arab Spring, the increasing influence of evangelical Christianity in Latin America, and the challenges posed by religious conflict in Asia and the Pacific, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, to the emergence and survival of democracy.

This book is a valuable resource for students, scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics between religion and democracy in the contemporary world. Its empirical analysis and insightful perspectives provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise in this dynamic relationship.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367721343
Edition number: 2 New edition