Other experts agree that religious faith has effectively replaced nationalism and Marxism, the driving forces for change that have dominated this century, as an organizing principle and unifying element. The rise of religion in politics is directly related to the end of the Cold War. In the United States, the Soviet Union's collapse has left many conservatives without an external enemy. In fact, conservative Christians have become perhaps the largest voting block in a Republican coalition that has elevated the Grand Old Party from its once-minority status. Outside North America and Western Europe, the global economy has resulted in an increasing gap between rich and poor, and corruption and instability, said Stephen Zunes of the University of San Francisco.
People feel that something is missing in their lives.
There is a need for models that try to fulfill human needs. Religion, because of its strong ethical foundation, will likely play a role in trying to find a new model. In Iran and Afghanistan, this has been the route to power. In communism's remaining outposts -Cuba, China, North Korea and Vietnam and in some Muslim countries, Christianity is feared as a Trojan horse of democracy. In Punjab, Sikh clergy are at the forefront of the drive for self-determination.