Politics & Religion

Thomas Jefferson, champion of religious liberty, whose Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom laid the foundation for the separation of church and state.

Books Politics & Religion

Religious Liberty and the Religions of the World

About the book The Opening of the Protestant Mind by Mark Valeri, published by Oxford University Press in 2023

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14 Min Read

The Evolving Nature Views of the Religious Right

The influence of the Religious Right in the January 6th Capitol attack can be seen in how some of its members joined the assault, driven by a mix of religious fervor and extreme political beliefs. Photo by Tyler Merbler .

Books Politics & Religion

17 Min Read

Rethinking Secularism from the Global South

Secularism-Artists Pawan Shukla and Veer Chandra, with the help of common people, created a 35-foot high map of India from 2.5 tons of iron. After 101 days of protests, the Delhi police removed materials put up by the protesters over the last 101 days, including artistic banners, this large standing map of India, and a model of the India Gate. This creative expression from the Global South highlights the region's unity and resilience.

Books Politics & Religion

12 Min Read

Legal Protections for Religious Diversity: Gaps and Challenges

A group of Rohingya refugees, with a woman in a green headscarf prominently in the foreground. The image highlights the plight of the Rohingya people, a minority group from Myanmar, many of whom have sought refuge in neighboring countries. They face significant challenges, including limited legal protection and uncertain living conditions.

Politics & Religion

26 Min Read

France’s Secularism: Navigating Security and Rights

In the image, a woman wearing a black burqa is sitting on a white, rocky surface. This visual contrast highlights the tensions between religious traditions and the concept of secularism, which seeks the separation of religion and state, promoting a society where individual beliefs do not interfere with public governance or civil rights.

Books Politics & Religion

9 Min Read

Laïcité’s Veil: French Identity in Debate

A French Muslim woman looks directly at the camera, wearing a hijab designed with the colors of the French flag. The image captures a moment of pride and cultural expression within the context of laïcité, reflecting the integration of religious diversity within France's secular framework.

Books Politics & Religion

14 Min Read

The Political Theology of the Communist Party of Albania

The image depicts a sculpture with clear connotations to political theology. It shows two figures, an adult with a contemplative expression and classical features, and a child-like figure that seems to be interacting with the adult. The adult's detailed hair and traditional garb suggest a figure of historical or religious significance, possibly a representation of a saint or philosopher, which aligns with the themes of political theology. The smaller figure, with its angelic appearance, could symbolize divine inspiration or influence. This composition evokes political theology's examination of the interplay between religious or divine principles and secular governance.

Politics & Religion

14 Min Read

White Christian Nationalism’s Threat to American Democracy

The image displays a close-up of two hands clasped together in solidarity or unity. In the background, there is a blurred flag featuring a cross, which may symbolize Christian nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to merge Christian and national identities. The flag seems to take center stage in a gathering, suggesting a public demonstration or political event where Christian symbols are being used in a nationalistic context.

Books Politics & Religion

7 Min Read

Christian Identity: Race & Religious Ideologies Intertwined

A group of individuals with flags and banners, one prominently featuring the name "JESUS", standing before a significant building that appears to be the U.S. Capitol. This scene could be associated with the events of January 6, 2021, where the intersection of political activism, religious fervor, and nationalist sentiment were visibly on display. The presence of religious symbolism, such as the "JESUS" banner, suggests the involvement of certain groups that may blend their political views with their religious beliefs, which aligns with ideologies like those propagated by the Christian Identity movement.

Politics & Religion

13 Min Read

The Conservative Crusade Against “Gender Ideology”

Participants in the 2018 March for Life in Peru, holding banners and flags as part of the 'Con mis Hijos no te Metas' movement, demonstrating against gender ideology.

Politics & Religion

10 Min Read

Christian Heritage: Shaping Europe’s Populist Discourse

The Rassemblement National emphasizes Christian heritage as central to France's identity and values. Blandine Le Cain

Politics & Religion

8 Min Read

Christian Globalism: Bridging Distant Ties

Volunteers participate in 'Operation Christmas Child', a manifestation of Christian globalism, at a large warehouse. They are busy packing donation boxes intended for children globally, reflecting the charitable spirit and community engagement of the holiday season.

Books Politics & Religion

11 Min Read

Satanic Symbolism: Reshaping Norms and Culture

Illustration by Gustave Doré for John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' 1866, featuring satanic symbolism

Politics & Religion

14 Min Read

Secular Balance in Multicultural India

A Naga Sadhu and other Sadhus in traditional saffron attire embody a secular balance, meditating and discussing spirituality amidst simple earthly possessions at a religious camp in India.

Politics & Religion

12 Min Read

Satanism and Political Activism: The Complex Nexus

Statue of Baphomet with children, a symbol used in modern Satanism and political activism, representing duality and knowledge.

Politics & Religion

15 Min Read

Religious Diversity: The Urgency for a Post-Secular Shift

A Celebration of Religious Diversity with The Most Rev. Francisco González, Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, and Dr. Ingrid Mattson at the Washington National Cathedral. Photo by Donovan Marks.

Politics & Religion

12 Min Read

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Empowered women in local governance forums, like this group in India, exemplify the transformative power of decentralization in fostering inclusive democracy and active community participation.

Decentralised Governance: Crafting Effective Democracies Around the World

January 20, 2025

The image of Mao Zedong, a towering figure in China's political history, continues to evoke debates about the country's trajectory in foreign policy.

The Transformation of Chinese Foreign Policy: Leaders Matter

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A bronze sculpture titled 'Immigrant Family' by Tom Otterness, symbolizing the challenges and journeys of immigrant families, placed outside a public building to inspire reflection on immigration policies.

Better Policies, Not Preaching, Can Make Immigration Popular

January 20, 2025

A person with long purple hair, draped in a transgender pride flag (pink, white, and blue), stands amidst a crowd during a protest in London. People around them hold signs, and trees and buildings are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Being Trans is a Natural Right

January 13, 2025

The image shows military personnel patrolling an urban area as part of counterterrorism measures. The soldiers, equipped with tactical gear such as backpacks and communication devices, are walking through a public square. In the background, civilians can be seen near a historic building, illustrating the visible presence of security forces in high-traffic locations to deter potential terrorist threats.

2024 UN Report: Counterterrorism vs. Human Rights

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The great writer Yaşar Kemal never confined himself to the isolation of an ivory tower. Instead, he wielded his pen with extraordinary clarity, crafting narratives that bridged the struggles of ordinary people with profound insights into humanity's shared experiences.

From Ivory Tower to Public Square: Why Writing Clearly Matters

January 9, 2025

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Recent Analysis

A bronze statue of the "Fearless Girl" stands confidently with hands on her hips, facing the iconic "Charging Bull" of Wall Street. The image symbolizes the tension between corporate power and evolving values of Corporate Social Responsibility, inclusivity, and sustainability in modern business practices.

Milton Friedman, Politics and Corporate Social Responsibility

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David Chan Smith

14 Min Read

The image shows President Donald Trump preparing to sign a plaque along the Texas-Mexico border wall in January 2021. This act symbolizes nativist ideology, emphasizing the protection of national identity by reinforcing borders and justifying strict measures against perceived outsiders. The border wall itself became a key symbol of nativism, reflecting efforts to maintain a homogeneous national identity.

The Political Psychology of Nativism

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14 Min Read

The image depicts a populist movement, with Le Pen often associated with right-wing populism in France.

The Populism Trap: Discontents and Challenges to Democracy

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