This book examines how religion interacts with Russian foreign policy, arguing that religion is an important and neglected factor in shaping Russia's outlook towards international relations. It surveys the importance of religion in Russian social life - past and present - and considers the range of attitudes which are affected by religion - such as Russian nationalism, notions of Slavic solidarity, the divine mission of Russian Orthodox civilisation, Russian imperialism, and Russia's special approach towards Islam. The book discusses how religious organizations, especially the Russian Orthodox Church, operate in international relations, pursuing, through 'religious diplomacy' their own interests and those of the Russian state; explores how religious ideas and culture linked to religion impinge on Russian attitudes and identity, and thereby affect policy; and demonstrates how policy influenced by religion impacts on Russian foreign policy in practice in a wide range of examples, including Russia's relations with other orthodox countries, non-orthodox Western countries, Muslim countries, Israel and the Vatican.

About the Author
Alicja Curanovic is a Research Fellow at the Institute of International Relations, University of Warsaw, Poland.

Reviews

"Curanovic's excellent study is a most welcome addition to the field, and i am sure I will be referring to it regularly in my own research. It should be on the shelf of anyone interested in Russian foreign policy in general and the role of religion in particular." - Christopher Marsh, The Russian Review, 2013.

"In conclusion, this book was an enjoyable read, and would be a warranted addition to both Russian and Religious Studies academics' collections". - Andrew Huemmer, the University of Glasgow, Europe Asia Studies, 2014

Book Information
ISBN 9781138816831
Author Alicja Curanovic
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 476g