ABSTRACT

The concept of the secular state would seem to imply that religion and politics do not mix. Yet, around the world, the opposite is often the case. Almost everywhere, from Myanmar to Poland, religion is on the agenda of political parties and movements, and often the threat or fear of religious violence is a dominant theme. In some cases, such as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and elsewhere, the very name signifies their dedication to advancing policies meant to protect and advance a particular religious community. In other cases, such as the British Nationalist Party in the United Kingdom, the name does not reveal the religious elements of their political positions but the targets of their ire and the foci of their restrictive policies are often particular religious groups deemed as being dangerous to the dominant religious community of the country. This chapter examines the relationship between religious violence and political parties in various countries around the world.