Securing the sacred
Subtitle: religion, national security, and the western state
By: Robert M. Bosco
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press; University of Michigan Press
Published: 2014
Place of publication: Ann Arbor
Language: eng
Number of pages: 145
ISBN-13: 9780472119226; 9780472120093
Subjects: Religion and politics; National security; Religious aspects; Secularization; Church and state
Description: Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Western nations have increasingly recognized religion as a consideration in domestic and foreign policy. In this empirical comparison of the securitization of Islam in Britain, France, and the United States, Robert M. Bosco argues that religion is a category of phenomena defined by the discourses and politics of both religious and state elites. Despite significant theoretical distinctions between securitization on the domestic and the international levels, he finds that the outcome of addressing religion within the context of security hinges upon partnerships. Whereas states may harness the power of international allies, they cannot often find analogous domestic allies; therefore, states that attempt to securitize religion at home are more vulnerable to counterattack and more likely to abandon their efforts. This book makes a significant contribution to the fields of political theory, international relations, Islamic studies, and security/military studies. --Provided by publisher.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 129-142) and index.