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Foreign policy must respect, not exploit religion
Q: The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is recommending that the U.S. government develop a strategy to make religion 'integral' to American foreign policy. Should U.S. foreign policy get religion?
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs' recommendation that the U.S. government make religion "integral" to American foreign policy points to an obvious necessity fraught with complexity and a potential both for grave difficulties and positive possibilities. Indeed, one would hope, and, from the writings of Madeleine Albright and others assume, that recognition of the important role played by religion in international concerns of most interest to American foreign policy is already a reality. Numerous hot spots and conflicts around the world (Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Tibet, and Israel, for example) defy explanation apart from recognition of the role of religion in them--religion as a problematic source of division, religion as an instrument wielded through manipulation, and/or religion as essential to the potential for any meaningful, long term resolution of the difficulties involved.
The report from the Chicago Council appropriately emphasizes the importance of our government understanding the nature of religions in other governments and the role those religions play in those governments. Understanding religions' role in different lands is one thing. However, seeking to shape, direct, or influence religion's role anywhere is not the business of the United States government. And, let's be honest, often when government officials think they understand the power of religion in a situation, they also think they can benefit from the power in achieving their particular goals. Government understanding religion is good. Government attempting to use religion is problematic beyond measure.
Respecting religion abroad is as critical in U.S. foreign policy as respecting religion domestically; entanglement between any agency of our government and any religious entity at home or abroad is a mistake moving toward a crisis.
Ironically, I read the Executive Summary of the new report while involved in a meeting with religious leaders from around the world. My sharing of the news about the recommendation in the report now released evoked an immediately positive reaction quickly followed by looks of contemplation that transitioned into questions. Such is my reaction individually.
Recognizing the power of religion in the world is the better part of wisdom for anyone working on international concerns. Thinking that any government--especially ours--can and/or should use religion as a foreign affairs strategy is a prelude to disaster. The foundational principle of religious liberty merits our government's strong support abroad as well as at home even if other governments fail to appreciate or duplicate a similar commitment.
By
Welton Gaddy
|
February 24, 2010; 9:46 AM ET
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Posted by: reformuscirf | February 26, 2010 9:36 PM
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Why should religion be respected?
Posted by: GMartin-Royle | February 26, 2010 3:21 AM
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As a Baptist minister working in the area of U.S. foreign policy I am especially appreciative of Rev. Gaddy's analysis. My only concern is that the Report is attempting to address an area long neglected by the foreign policy establishment and that even given the balance of Rev. Gaddy's essay the status quo of neglect will continue.
Posted by: lpullen | February 25, 2010 11:45 AM
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thank you mr gaddy for your balanced,good will and wise article.
Posted by: mono1 | February 25, 2010 8:13 AM
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Thanks for your comment on the report. As a student studying political science, I have found myself enjoying foreign policy and national security issues (I am a 50 year old who lives in Hamilton, New Zealand). I have a keen interest in US foreign policy (FP) and as a Christian, am starting to look for wisdom in how to analysis and action FP from a Christian point of view without the neocon angle (no offense). I believe God gave us a good brain and therefore should use FP wisely and ethically, and morally.
Will look forward to reading the report.
Posted by: taliesin1 | February 24, 2010 1:13 PM
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The comments to this entry are closed.
The current Federal policy of involving religion in foreign policy is guided by IRFA 1998 law and USCIRF report. It is fraught with conflict of interest and many other problems.
There is a quite a difference between theory (i.e. IRFA 1998 law) and practice (i.e. USCIRF).
In theory, All USCIRF report must comply with IRFA 1998 but reality is some what different.
In theory, Religion in foreign policy would serve national interest. However, In practice, What would stop it from serving religious interest and harming national interest?
Both "chicago council" and USCIRF are misrepresenting and painting negative portrait of Hinduity.
Visit: www.uscirf.blogspot.com for details.