Le retour du religieux dans la politique internationale

In: Politique étrangère: revue trimestrielle publiée par l'Institut Français des Relations Internationales, Band 68, Heft 3, S. 803-818

Abstract

The Return of Religion in International Politics, by Henri MADELIN
Throughout the year 2003, new types of cards have been dealt out in the image of Cesar and God, in Europe, even more so in the United States and, pointedly, in Muslim countries. The three points of crystallisation of conflicts with religion as a powerful underlying élément were Afghanistan with the dispersion of the Talibans, the Near East with a road map put back onto the agenda by G.W. Bush between Israelis and Palestinians, and Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein and the growing difficulties encountered by the Anglo-American forces of occupation. The spectres of Holy War, Jihad and of the concept of just war could be seen to re-emerge. The Pope and the diplomatie action of the Holy See played a substantial rôle throughout this period. However, one may wonder how corne the images of the Christian God of the Americans differ somewhat from those of the Western Europeans.