This book identifies and examines the political activities of selected religious actors, in both domestic and international contexts, in relation to democracy, human rights and civilisational interactions. And it asks why, how and when do selected religious actors seek to influence political outcomes?

The book is divided into two parts. Section 1 examines the controversial issue of how, why and when religious actors affect democratisation – that is, the transition to democracy – and democracy itself. These chapters examine the impact of religion on democratisation and human rights, with particular attention to secularisation, Islam, and globalisation. They indicate that numerous religious actors have had major importance in helping determine democratisation outcomes in various countries. Section 2 examines the relationships between religion, human rights and civilisational interactions in the context of post-secular politics and links to conflict, and it explores how these relationships affect political outcomes in both domestic and international contexts.

This book will be of great interest to postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students of religion and politics; religion and international relations; democratisation and democracy; and global governance, especially studies of the United Nations. It will also interest practitioners and scholars who work on religion and politics, at a domestic and international level.