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Religion and Islam in Contemporary International Relations

13 Apr 2010 - 13:34

The present focus on Islam of Western foreign policies is disruptive to the issues that are of international importance. This paper shows that Muslim states' foreign policies have only very limited relevance to Islam. These policies are of great significance by themselves, but Western nations allow them to dominate the wider international relations. This, combined with the still prevailing unwillingness to address issues related to religion, is actually paralysing Western policies vis-à-vis the Muslim world. These policies should not avoid the religious discourse of Islam, but neither should they be drawn into it. In short: talk to them, but don't talk their talk.