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Introduction
Over the last several decades, governments have collectively pledged to slow global warming. But despite intensified diplomacy, the world is already facing the consequences of climate…
Social Issues
Religion
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Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: Indigenous Faith and Climate PolicyAmelia Marchand, executive director of the L.I.G.H.T. Foundation, explores the intersection of Indigenous faith and climate action, discussing the role of faith-based Indigenous leaders in combating environmental challenges and advancing sustainable solutions for future generations.
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The Dalai Lama's TestamentApproaching 90, the Dalai Lama has written what's likely his last book--about Tibet's struggles with China and its future.
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2025 Religion and Foreign Policy WorkshopThe Religion and Foreign Policy Workshop convenes clergy, seminary heads, scholars of religion, and representatives of faith-based organizations from around the country for discussions with policymakers, CFR fellows, and other experts. The event is a valuable opportunity to engage with colleagues and participate in substantive conversations on international issues of interest to religious communities. The workshop will include an opening night dinner conversation, plenary sessions, and breakout discussions with choices among a variety of thematic and regional topics. Access the complete agenda here
Experts in this Topic
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Women This Week: First Woman Appointed to Top Position in the Holy SeeWelcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers January 4 to January 10.
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Topographies of African Spirituality
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This book explores African spirituality inside and outside of religion, investigating African traditions and perceptions in the study of spirituality across Africa and the African diaspora. It provides an interdisciplinary reflection on key issues in the field and sheds light on everyday experiences. In particular, the volume celebrates the work and mentorship of Professor Jacob K. Olupona, a leading figure in the study of African spiritualities, religions in Africa, and methodological approaches to the study of religion. With chapters by an impressive range of scholars from institutions across Africa, Europe, and North America, the book makes a valuable empirical and theoretical contribution to the development of African Religious Studies.
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Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: The Pope and International RelationsPeter Casarella, professor of theology at Duke Divinity School, and Cecilia González-Andrieu, professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University, discuss the geopolitical and cultural influence of the pope, the challenges and opportunities the Catholic Church faces in addressing international issues, and the global religious leadership of Pope Francis.
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Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: Jewish-American Perspectives on U.S. Foreign PolicyElliott Abrams, CFR senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies, and Elliot Cosgrove, rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue, will discuss the evolving role of the Jewish diaspora in shaping U.S. policy towards the Middle East, the challenges of fostering unity within the Jewish community, and the broader implications for international relations. Asher Lopatin, rabbi of Kehillat Etz Chayim, will moderate the discussion.
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Addressing Entities of Particular Concern: Non-State Actors and Egregious Violations of Religious FreedomEbenezer Obadare's testimony before the United States Committee on International Religious Freedom addresses how Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other violent non-state actors commit religious freedom violations across Central Africa and the Sahel, and what U.S. policy response should be.
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Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: Religion in the 2024 U.S. ElectionAdelle M. Banks, projects editor and national reporter for Religion News Service, and Adam Nicholas Phillips, chief strategy officer and chief of staff at Interfaith America, discuss the evolving role of religious constituencies in U.S. politics, as well as the intersection of religion with key political and social issues in the lead up to the 2024 election.
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If You Will It
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Hundreds of thousands of young Jews have drifted away from the American Jewish community and many more may follow. This book explains to Jewish parents, donors, and organizations how Jewish education, Jewish summer camping, and time spent in Israel can revive and strengthen Jewish identity. -
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Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: Muslim-American Perspectives on U.S. Foreign PolicySalam al-Marayati, president and cofounder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Nazita Lajevardi, associate professor of political science at Michigan State University, discuss the domestic and international policies that affect and matter to American Muslim communities, as well as the diversity, trends, and priorities of the bloc.
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Kagame's CrusadeThe Rwandan President’s attempt to regulate faith-based organizations raises more questions than answers.
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Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: Statelessness of Religious and Ethnic Minority GroupsHenri J. Barkey, adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Laura van Waas, cofounder and codirector of the Institute of Statelessness and Inclusion, discuss the engagement of stateless populations—specifically religious and ethnic minority groups—with international relations, the international legal dimensions of statelessness, and the policy changes necessary to expand the right to nationality and citizenship.
