God's Century: Resurgent Religion and Global Politics

by Monica Duffy Toft, Daniel Philpott, Timothy Samuel Shah

A fresh and illuminating perspective on the surge in religion’s political influence across the globe.

Is religion a force for good or evil in world politics? How much influence does it have? Despite predictions of its decline, religion has resurged in political influence across the globe, helped by the very forces that were supposed to bury democracy, globalization, and technology. And despite recent claims that religion is exclusively irrational and violent, its political influence is in fact diverse, sometimes promoting civil war and terrorism but at other times fostering democracy, reconciliation, and peace. Looking across the globe, the authors explain what generates these radically divergent behaviors. In a time when the public discussion of religion is overheated, these dynamic young scholars use deeply original analysis and sharp case studies to show us both how and why religion’s influence on global politics is surging. Finally they offer concrete suggestions on how to both confront the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities posed by globally resurgent religion.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Academic, Politics

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2011

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

God's Century delivers a broad, yet detailed, picture of religion and its influence on global politics. Through a historical examination of worldwide democratization movements, civil wars and more, the authors articulate the role of religion in politics in a way that provides a desperately needed thoughtful and nuanced approach to understanding why religious actors do the things they do. Very valuable and very relevant.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well argued and methodical, the authors make a compelling point that religion’s influence in global politics is growing, not shrinking as the outdated “secularization thesis” posits. They outline how religion can be a force for good or evil, and address 10 considerations for how policy makers can better include religious realities into their analysis.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a survey of the de-secularization of the world, looking at the causes and implications of religion's rise to prominence in global politics. It appears to have been someone's dissertation that was turned into a book, but it is written in a readable style. Much of the material is available elsewhere, but the authors put it together into a comprehensive book, and add some new material. I liked their analysis of the history of relations between religious groups and governments best.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

God’s Century is about how religion and politics have come to coexist with natural ebbs and flows of the two interconnected spheres of influence. Read More:
http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/revie...

[Hande · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tbh, I haven't finished this book, but we discussed major parts and main theses and arguments in university. Interesting perspectives, but it's up to the reader to agree or disagree with them. Do know that it's highly western/european centralised.

[K.J. Dell'Antonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally engrossing--fascinating. I love thinking about why religion is what it is in the world.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was instrumental in sparking my interest in politics and religion.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting exposé of comparative politics and religion. Numerous examples from all over the world.