Includes bibliographical references (p. [247]-261) and index.

The twenty-first century as God's century -- Behind the politics of religion -- The rise of politically assertive religion -- Religion and global democratization -- The "glocal" dimensions of religious terrorism -- Religious civil wars : nasty, brutish, and long -- Militants for peace and justice -- The rules for surviving God's century.

This work examines the increasing political influence of religion across the globe, which sometimes promotes civil war, but sometimes promotes democracy, and offers suggestions on how to confront the challenges posed by globally resurgent religion. Is religion a force for good or evil in world politics? How much influence does it have? Despite predictions of its decline, religion has resurged in political influence across the globe, helped by the very forces that were supposed to bury it: democracy, globalization, and technology. And despite recent claims that religion is exclusively irrational and violent, its political influence is in fact diverse, sometimes promoting civil war and terrorism but at other times fostering democracy, reconciliation, and peace. Looking across the globe, the authors explain what generates these radically divergent behaviors. In a time when the public discussion of religion is overheated, the authors use original analysis and case studies to show both how and why religion's influence on global politics is surging. Finally they offer suggestions on how to both confront the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities posed by globally resurgent religion.