The Religion and Politics Section invites scholars to submit papers, panels, posters, and other session formats on themes that connect religion and politics writ large. Understanding the role of religion in a democratic system is of great importance, including but not limited to investigations surrounding the compatibility of religious practices and beliefs with core democratic principles such as tolerance and pluralism. At the same time, the role of religious politics / ideologies in a wide range of political systems is crucial to making sense of today’s world and the present populist moment. In keeping with the 2024 APSA Theme “Democracy: Retrenchment, Renovation, & Reimagination,” the Religion and Politics Section thus seeks contributions that examine the many ways religion intersects with the emergence and practice of democracy around the globe. We further invite discussion of the role of religion and politics scholars and educators in promoting democracy and pluralism through their research, teaching, and public engagement. We invite a diversity of methodological, theoretical and (inter-)disciplinary approaches covering any region or country. We encourage panels that are inclusive of all gender identities, races and ethnicities, academic positions/ranks, and types of institution.
Division Chairs: Nora Fisher Onar (University of San Francisco) and Jacob Neiheisel (University of Buffalo)