Contemporary nation-states have seen the rise of religious pluralism within their borders, brought about by global migration and the challenge of radical religious movements. Secular States and Religious Diversity explores the meaning of secularism and religious freedom in these new contexts. The contributors chart the impact of globalization, the varying forms of secularism in Western states, and the different kinds of relations between states and religious institutions in the historical traditions and contemporary politics of Islamic, Indic, and Chinese societies. They also examine the limitations and dilemmas of governmental responses to religious diversity, and grapple with the question of how secular states deal (and should deal) with such pluralism. This volume brings in perspectives from the non-Western world and engages with viewpoints that might increase states' capacities to accommodate religious diversity positively.

Addressing one of the most volatile political issues of our time, this volume looks at the relationship between religion and politics as secular nation-states try to deal with increasing religious pluralism and radicalism within their borders.

About the Author

Bruce J. Berman is a professor emeritus of political studies at Queen's University and was director of the Ethnicity and Democratic Governance project from 2006 to 2012. Rajeev Bhargava is a senior fellow at and director of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in New Delhi. Andre Laliberte is a professor of political studies at the University of Ottawa.

Contributors: Yasmeen Abu-Laban, Lori G. Beaman, Peter Beyer, Paul Bramadat, Elinor Bray-Collins, Claude Couture, Anna Drake, Ahmet T. Kuru, Rinku Lamba, Manuel Litalien, David Seljak

Book Information
ISBN 9780774825139
Author Bruce J. Berman
Format Paperback
Page Count 348
Imprint University of British Columbia Press
Publisher University of British Columbia Press
Weight(grams) 520g