Report of the Georgetown Symposia on U.S. International Religious Freedom Policy

December 1, 2008

This report reviews a series of three symposia held over the course of 2008 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act. The symposia series, sponsored by the Berkley Center and the Institute of Global Engagement, brought together experts from academy and the policy world to examine the origins, trajectory, and future of US policy in this critical area. The report distills the most important contributions panelists from across the spectrum of American politics, religion, and intellectual life, as well as participants from abroad. Extended excerpts lay out the main lines of argument about US policy in this area, its strengths, failings, and potential future directions. Designed as a resource for policymakers, academics, and the wider public, the report was made possible through the support of the Luce/SFS Program on Religion and International Affairs.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Religious Freedom as Understood and Practiced in America
The Importance of International Laws and Norms
The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998
Assessing a Decade of U.S. International Religious Freedom Policy (1998–2008)
Religious Freedom in the Muslim World
Religious Freedom and Stable Democracy
The Future of U.S. International Religious Freedom Policy
Appendix with International and National Policy Documents
Biographies of Participants

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