Religion in Civil Society: The Impact of Religious Movements on International Relations

Thursday, 4 June 2015

The 10th Annual Patuxent Defense Forum will be held at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, Maryland on June 4, 2015. The Center for the Study of Democracy and The Patuxent Partnership jointly present this forum, a mix of international representatives, policymakers, academics, government officials, and other interested parties, providing a unique environment for discussing critical issues related to international affairs.

We are pleased to announce our 2015 topic: “Religion in Civil Society: The Impact of Religious Movements on International Relations”. Recent developments around the world underscore the importance of addressing religious diversity and developing policies that support civil society. Whether it is discord between Sunni and Shia in the Middle East, Christians and Muslims in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, or Palestinian, Jewish and other religious extremists in more secular Western states, this forum will help us better understand the history of these tensions, the impact of U.S. foreign policy approaches to religious diversity, the impact of religious movements on international relations and the ethics of taking action when these tensions flare.

Discussion of these issues is particularly fitting at St. Mary’s City, the site of Maryland’s first capital, settled by Catholics. Considering this legacy, the forum will contemplate precedents and current policies.

Download the Patuxent Defense Forum Flyer.