Diplomacy and Transnational Relations
The attacks of September 11, 2001 and their aftermath are the most dramatic reminder of the new shape of international relations in an era of globalization. Al Qaeda, a transnational organization with an extremist religious ideology, challenges the familiar state-centered view of world politics. Less visible but also significant, transnational religious communities have proven a force for peace - in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, the Middle East, and beyond. Berkley Center programs build knowledge about how religious communities interact with states, international organizations, and other non-governmental organizations in this new global constellation. They address two core questions in particular: Under what conditions can religion be a force for peace? How can the destructive effects of religion be contained?
At the Center
The Center is a partner in the implementation of a two-year grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. The Luce/SFS Program on Religion and International Affairs supports a range of teaching, research, and outreach activities on two themes: "Religious Sources of Foreign Policy" and "Religion and Global Development." » more
Read the Luce/SFS Program 2006-07 Annual Report.
On September 11, 2007, the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Berkley Center convened a symposium on Islam, Constitutions, and Durable Democracy: The Cases of Iraq and Afghanistan. The symposium explored the progress of democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, a subject of major import in light of the 9/11 attacks. A major question engaged by the symposium was the extent to which constitutions can encourage a democratic political culture, and do it under the difficult conditions that exist today in Iraq and Afghanistan. » more
In collaboration with the Center for the Study of International Migration, the Center organized a forum on Religion, Migration, and Foreign Policy in April 2007. The Forum brought together analysts, policymakers, and leaders of advocacy organizations to explore changing ethnic and religious demographics in Europe and the US and their impact on foreign policy agendas. A second forum will be held during the 2007-08 academic year. » more
As part of the Luce Grant, the Center organized a one-day symposium on Evangelicals and Foreign Policy on March 28, 2007, the first in a series designed to explore the religious sources of foreign policy, on March 28, 2007. Speakers included Richard Cizik of the National Association of Evangelicals and Richard Land of the Southern Baptist convention. » more
Around the University
The Mortara Center for International Studies, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, brings together the expertise of scholars and the experience of international affairs practitioners.
The Center for Peace and Security Studies, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, is home to both the Security Studies Program, the largest MA program of its kind in the United States, and Women in International Security, the premiere organization devoted to the advancement of women in foreign and defense affairs.
The MA in Conflict Resolution in the Department of Government, Georgetown College, is an interdisciplinary program centered on the theoretical and practical tools necessary to better understand the nature of, and solutions to, many types and degrees of conflict.
Database Information
Web-Based Resources for Students, Scholars, and Policymakers
The Berkley Center supports four databases that track the intersection of religion and world affairs. World Events provides links to academic and public affairs events that leave video, audio, or text traces on the web. Religious Perspectives contrasts the stances of leading traditions on ethical and political issues. Faith 2008 tracks religious rhetoric in the presidential campaign. And Religion and Development monitors the engagement of faith communities around a variety of development issues.
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Faculty Profile
Nancy Sherman
In her book Stoic Warriors: The Ancient Philosophy Behind the Military Mind, Nancy Sherman of the Philosophy Department examines foundations of the contemporary military ethos. Stoic philosophers including Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius extolled the virtues of the warrior as single-minded and impervious to suffering. Such conceptions shape the way modern militaries construct the role of the soldier. Through a broad historical and philosophical survey, Sherman relates Stoic thinking about fear and resilience, grief and mourning, and the value of camaraderie to the training and experience of soldiers in the United States and elsewhere. The book makes a plea for a moderate Stoicism that incorporates the values of forgiveness, humility, and even humor.
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