Religion and Global Politics: Soft Power in Nigeria and Beyond

Religion and Global Politics: Soft Power in Nigeria and Beyond explores the use of religious soft power in African states to transform perceptions of the continent. The book emphasizes the role of religion in international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy in Africa and examines how it has impacted the external relations of African states.

Format: Hardback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Religion and Global Politics: Soft Power in Nigeria and Beyond delves into the strategic utilization of religious soft power in African states, exploring its potential to reshape global perceptions of the continent. The contributors redirect the focus of religion away from the predominant discourse of conflict and violence towards the realm of international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy in Africa. By doing so, the chapters analyze the profound impact that religion has had on the external relations of African states.

Religion and Global Politics: Soft Power in Nigeria and Beyond serves as a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between religion and global politics, specifically focusing on Nigeria and its broader regional context. The book introduces the theme of religion to the discourse of African international relations and politics, offering a thorough examination of the influence of religion on the political lives of African individuals.

In the opening chapter, the editors provide a theoretical framework for understanding the deployment of religious soft power in African states. They argue that religion can serve as a powerful tool for promoting social cohesion, fostering interfaith dialogue, and mitigating conflict. They also highlight the potential of religious soft power to influence foreign policy decisions and shape international relations in the African continent.

The subsequent chapters delve into the diverse ways in which religious soft power is being deployed in African states. The authors examine the role of religious leaders, religious institutions, and religious organizations in promoting peace, stability, and development. They explore the impact of religious tourism, religious education, and religious broadcasting on shaping public opinion and influencing foreign policy decisions.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of religion in mediating conflicts and promoting peace in Africa. The authors argue that religious leaders and organizations can play a crucial role in reconciling communities and resolving disputes. They explore the strategies employed by religious leaders to promote peace, such as interfaith dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution.

Another important aspect of the book is the impact of religion on the political landscape of African states. The authors examine the ways in which religious identities and affiliations shape political behavior and influence public opinion. They explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from the intersection of religion and politics, such as religious discrimination, religious violence, and the role of religious organizations in political activism.

The book also highlights the role of international actors, such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, in promoting religious soft power in Africa. The authors argue that these actors can play a crucial role in fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting human rights, and mitigating conflict. They also explore the challenges and limitations of international intervention in religious matters, such as the potential for unintended consequences and the need for a nuanced approach.

In conclusion, Religion and Global Politics: Soft Power in Nigeria and Beyond is a valuable contribution to the field of international relations and politics. The book offers a comprehensive examination of the deployment of religious soft power in African states, exploring its potential to shape global perceptions of the continent. The contributors provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the ways in which religion impacts the external relations of African states, the political lives of African individuals, and the broader regional context. The book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working in the fields of international relations, religion, and development.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 226 x 161 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793645616