The “religious revival” that has occurred across Eurasia since the collapse of communism has been a multi-faceted phenomenon. Far from remaining isolated in the sphere of “private belief and practice,” discourses surrounding religion and identity have become increasingly influential in politics, culture, and society. Religion, broadly conceived, has also been central to different forms of peacemaking throughout the region, as well as playing an important role in conflict situations in a variety of contexts.
The purpose of this session is to provide a forum for the exploration of religion as a site of conflict and peacemaking in Eurasia. We invite contributors to submit theoretical and/or empirically-grounded papers pertaining to themes that include (but are not limited to):
- Religion & the performance of peace (or conflict) in everyday life
- Contesting the boundaries of secular and sacred
- Religion, race, and social justice
- Nationalism, homeland, mythmaking, and religion
- Critical approaches to religion and peace
- Xenophobia, and conflict
- Religion and the populist resurgence
- The separation (or not) of church & state
- Culture wars
- Indigenous religion
- Religious perspectives on the environment
Please submit an abstract of approximately 250 words to Vincent Artman (vincent.artman@wayne.edu) by October 20 for consideration.