Vol. 6, No. 2 (Summer 2008)
"Religious Freedom and U.S. Foreign Policy"—The time is ripe for reviewing the International Religious Freedom Act. This issue marks the Act's 10th anniversary, presenting select papers from a 2008 conference series.
Introduction: IRFA, Ten Years On
Dennis Hoover, Thomas Farr Sunday, 1 June 2008
The time is ripe for reviewing the International Religious Freedom Act. The Summer 2008 issue marks the Act's 10th anniversary, presenting select papers from an ongoing conference series. [FREE]
Religious Freedom: Good for What Ails Us?
Brian Grim Sunday, 1 June 2008
A "bundled commodity" of human freedoms, including religious freedom, augments socio-economic wellbeing by energizing participation. Conversely, social and government restrictions lead to religious violence.
In Search of the Twin Tolerations
Daniel Philpott Sunday, 1 June 2008
Religious terrorist groups are more likely to originate in "integrationist" regimes, where the "twin tolerations" of religious freedom and differentiation between religion and state do not exist.
Balancing Religious Freedom and Cultural Preservation
José Casanova Sunday, 1 June 2008
The U.S. can set an example of religious freedom as it exhibits "global denominationalism"—a social system where religious groups respect other faiths even while promoting their own truth claims.
Read more: Balancing Religious Freedom and Cultural Preservation
International Religious Freedom Policy: Taking Stock
Allen Hertzke Sunday, 1 June 2008
The International Religious Freedom Act integrated religious freedom into a new U.S. foreign policy architecture. However, ongoing public support is needed to maintain momentum and increase visibility.
Read more: International Religious Freedom Policy: Taking Stock
The Origins and Legacy of the Movement to Fight Religious Persecution
Nina Shea Sunday, 1 June 2008
Educational efforts by evangelicals and broad-based support from a variety of religious leaders resulted in a dramatic legislative effort that led to the passage of the IRFA in 1998.
Read more: The Origins and Legacy of the Movement to Fight Religious Persecution
The International Religious Freedom Act: Sources, Policy, Influence
Laura Bryant Hanford Sunday, 1 June 2008
The first bill to address persecution abroad provided blunt correctives, but a second bill stressed change over punishment. Advocacy and "the dogged work of diplomacy" should be complementary approaches.
Read more: The International Religious Freedom Act: Sources, Policy, Influence
Presidential Promotion of International Religious Freedom
William Inboden Sunday, 1 June 2008
Both the Clinton and Bush Administrations took steps to integrate religious freedom into foreign policy. The next President should build on this foundation, especially in the area of foreign aid.
Read more: Presidential Promotion of International Religious Freedom
A Paradox of Independence: The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Tad Stahnke Sunday, 1 June 2008
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent, bipartisan body, should clarify its role in the policymaking process and creatively engage potential allies abroad.
Read more: A Paradox of Independence: The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Methodology, Metrics, and Moral Imperatives in Religious Freedom Diplomacy
Robert Seiple Sunday, 1 June 2008
The methodology of promotion rather than punishment improved religious freedom in Laos. Public-private collaborations that prioritize promotion will lead to success in other countries as well.
Read more: Methodology, Metrics, and Moral Imperatives in Religious Freedom Diplomacy
Making the Case for Religious Freedom within the Islamic Tradition
Asma Afsaruddin Sunday, 1 June 2008
Plausible interpretations of Muslim texts can lead to robust endorsement of religious freedom. However, the question of who may authoritatively make interpretive decisions is not an easy one to answer. [FREE]
Read more: Making the Case for Religious Freedom within the Islamic Tradition
Religion as a Factor in Sino-U.S. Relations
Liu Peng Sunday, 1 June 2008
Misunderstanding and ignorance regarding the role of religion negatively impact Sino-U.S. relations. A framework for dialogue will engender understanding and enable practical progress.
Religious Freedom: The Case of Ukraine
Victor Yelensky Sunday, 1 June 2008
Varied centers of religious power and a secular national history have provided Ukraine with a pluralistic, relatively free environment for religion. But there are risks of regression.
Religion and a Human Rights Culture in America
Jeffrey Haynes Sunday, 1 June 2008
There is now a clear trend of greater cooperation between evangelicals and non-evangelicals, including secular liberals, in pursuit of human rights goals in U.S. foreign policy.
Understanding and Standing with the Persecuted
Judd Birdsall Sunday, 1 June 2008
A review of Faith That Endures: The Essential Guide to the Persecuted Church, by Ronald Boyd-MacMillan.
The Diarchy of Religious Freedom
Keith Pavlischek Sunday, 1 June 2008
A review of Catholicism and Religious Freedom: Contemporary Reflections on Vatican II's Declaration on Religious Liberty, by Kenneth Grasso and Robert Hunt.