RELIGION IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND FOREIGN POLICY: A CONSTRUCTIVIST OUTLOOK

Abstract

Religion was entrenched if not in law then by some institutions of society for example in the customs of people and by the precept of the ruling class. However, the nature of past religious motivations and their tendency to be exclusive and domineering resulted in a number of unspeakable occurrences. The Jews in America seek the support of politicians on religious grounds of the restoration of the Holy Land to its people. However, it seems that religion is becoming more important in one part of the world (Middle East) rather than the whole. This is primarily because a large number of the examples, given by most scholars, originate in that part of the world. A large number of the examples, given by most scholars, originate in that part of the world. Also states especially westerners like the US still attempt to conduct international business in the absence of religious beliefs. American leaders for example, George Bush and Jimmy Carter, identify themselves with the religion of Christianity. However, maintains Spiegel they avoid policies in the name of Christianity so as to avoid discriminating against or marginalizing groups of people.  The idea of public opinion rose to prominence in the nineteenth century in industrial societies and has been an important part of the foreign policy process in advanced industrialized states, even more so since the extension of the franchise to larger portions of the population.