Religion and democratisation: when and how it matters

Abstract

This special issue aims to contribute to the growing literature on the role of religion in democratisation by focusing on state–religion interactions. Although the following articles focus on the relations between religion and democracy, they also add to the broader field of religion’s influence on politics. Our goal is not to assert that religion is the significant factor in the transition to democracy. Actually, most existing surveys demonstrate that the GDP, level of education, urbanisation, and the existence of a middle class are more relevant triggers of regime transition. Religion, however, may influence the building of new institutions, the legal status of civil liberties, and patterns of political participation—all significant factors when it comes to consolidation of democracy. To capture the specific role of religion in democratic or political changes, it is necessary to move away from the dichotomy of state and religion and explore more deeply the interactions between state and religious organisations and actors. The often-assumed antagonism or tensions between the two represents only one form of interaction, which may be used or combined with competition, adaptation, and cooperation. Consequently, the following papers will examine the roles of multiple actors and their different levels and agencies within the state, religious associations, clergy, religious adherents, diasporas, and purveyors of education. In this regard, this special issue breaks from the dominant approaches in political science which focus on either the strategies of political elites during periods of democratisation or on the nature of the authoritarian state. It sheds light on the nature of state interactions—not only with religious ideas and factors, but also with religious institutions—therefore bringing the state back in the study of democratisation.