Influence Of Faith

Realists have long argued that the international system must be based on hard calculations of power and interest. But in recent years, religion's role on the international scene has grown. The Influence of Faith examines religion as a growing factor in world politics and U.S. foreign policy. Particular attention is placed on the American reaction to the persecution of Christians and Jews overseas, as well as the role of faith-based groups such as missionary and relief organizations in the formulation and implementation of U.S. policy. The Influence of Faith considers these timely issues from diverse points of view, offering broad historical analysis as well as concrete examples taken from current affairs.

The Influence of Faith examines religion as a growing factor in world politics and U.S. foreign policy. Particular attention is placed on the American reaction to the persecution of Christians and Jews overseas, as well as the role of faith-based groups such as missionary and relief organizations in the formulation and implementation of U.S. policy.

Booknews

Ten articles that came out of the 1998 conference at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC) address the role of religion in international politics and foreign policy, and the influence of faith-based organizations<-->such as missionary groups and humanitarian aid organizations<-->upon U.S. foreign policy. Articles address such topics as political Islam and "the roots of violence," China and Christianity, and the political sociology of the crusade against religious persecution. Several pages of commentary follow each article. Abrams, editor and provider of the book's introduction, is president of the EPPC and has held three assistant secretary posts in the State Department. Contributors are professors, think tankers, and organization directors. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Elliott Abrams is the president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.