Religious Appeals in Power Politics

by Peter S. Henne

Overview

Religious Appeals in Power Politics examines how states use, or attempt to use, confessional appeals to religious belief and conscience to advance political strategies and objectives. Through case studies of the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, Peter S. Henne demonstrates that religion, although not as high profile or well-funded a tool as economic sanctions or threats of military force, remains a potent weapon in international relations.

Public policy analysis often minimizes the role of religion, favoring military or economic matters as the "important" arenas of policy debate. As Henne shows, however, at transformative moments in political history, states turn to faith-based appeals to integrate or fragment international coalitions. Henne highlights Saudi Arabia's 1960s rivalry with Egypt, the United States's post-9/11 leadership in the global war on terrorism, and the Russian Federation's contemporary expansionism both to reveal the presence and power of calls for religious unity and to emphasize the uncertainty and anxiety such appeals can create. Religious Appeals in Power Politics offers a bold corrective to those who consider religion as tangential to military or economic might.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781501770500
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	10/15/2023
Series:	Religion and Conflict
Pages:	222
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.88(d)

About the Author

Peter S. Henne is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Vermont. He is the author of Islamic Politics, Muslim States, and Counterterrorism Tensions.

What People are Saying About This

Stacie E. Goddard

Peter Henne's book makes it clear that religion is an integral part of power politics. Both scholars and policymakers tend to treat religious rhetoric as either a mere window dressing for material interests, or as atavistic appeals outside the realm of politics. Henne persuasively demonstrates that religious appeals are simultaneously ideological and strategic, a powerful force for mobilizing coalitions that help leaders increase their influence over their opponents. Clearly written and carefully researched, Henne's book is likely to become a standard reference on religion in international relations.

William Inboden

In his highly original book, Peter S. Henne persuasively argues that states use religious appeals to forge or deepen international cooperation to advance national interests and security goals—often by dividing adversaries—but because of the potency and malleability of faith, these appeals also produce negative effects that can undermine those same goals.

Petr Kratochvíl

Peter Henne's is a superb piece of scholarship not only because it explains how significant religion is in global politics, but also because it does so on the home turf of the sceptics: in the analysis of power politics. And yet, the book does not succumb to the temptation of oversimplification. Its meticulously researched case studies show that religious appeals impact power politics in diverse and sometimes unexpected ways. Highly recommended!

Gregorio Bettiza

In the rapidly growing scholarship on religion and power in international relations, this book stands out for its theoretical acumen, methodological rigor, and empirical depth. Peter Henne shows us why, when, how, and to what effect states mobilize religious appeals and legitimation strategies in high-stakes power political struggles and global crisis. A must-read for scholars, students, and policymakers alike.

William Charles Inboden

In his highly original book, Peter S. Henne persuasively argues that states use religious appeals to forge or deepen international cooperation to advance national interests and security goals, often by dividing adversaries, but that because of the potency and malleability of faith, these appeals also produce negative effects that can undermine those same goals.