This book re-examines the relationship between religion and nationalism in a contemporary Asian context, with a focus on East, South and South East Asia.

Addressing empirical, analytical, and normative questions, it analyses selected case studies from across Asia, including China, India, Iraq, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka and compares the differences and commonalities between the diverse configurations of nationalism and religion across the continent. It then goes on to explain reasons for the regional religious resurgence and asks, is the nation-state model, aligned with secularism, suitable for the region? Exploring the two interrelated issues of legacies and possibilities, this book also examines the relationship between nationalism and modernity, identifying possible and desirable trajectories which go beyond existing configurations of nationalism and religion.

Bringing together a stellar line up of contributors in the field, Religion and Nationalism in Asia will be a valuable resource for students and scholars of Asian religion and politics as well as sociology, ethnicity, nationalism and comparative politics.

About the Author

Giorgio Shani is Chair in Politics and International Studies and Director of the Rotary Peace Center at International Christian University, Japan. He is author of Sikh Nationalism and Identity in a Global Age (Routledge 2008) and Religion, Identity and Human Security (Routledge 2014).

Takashi Kibe is Professor of Political Science at International Christian University, Japan. Among his publications are Martin Luther's Political Thought (in Japanese, 2000), and Political Theory of Equality (in Japanese, 2015).

Reviews

"The editors are to be congratulated for assembling a multi-disciplinary team of first-rate Asian scholars. In interrogating many of the assumptions underpinning the discussion of religious politics, the book should have a broad appeal across the social sciences."

John Hutchinson, Nations and Nationalism

Book Information
ISBN 9780367777425
Author Giorgio Shani
Format Paperback
Page Count 202
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 360g