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Securing the Sacred: Religion, National Security, and the Western State
Robert M. Bosco
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Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Western nations have increasingly recognized religion as a consideration in domestic and foreign policy. In this empirical comparison of the securitization of Islam in Britain, France, and the United States, Robert M. Bosco argues that religion is a category of phenomena defined by the discourses and politics of both religious and state elites.
Despite significant theoretical distinctions between securitization on the domestic and the international levels, he finds that the outcome of addressing religion within the context of security hinges upon partnerships. Whereas states may harness the power of international allies, they cannot often find analogous domestic allies; therefore, states that attempt to securitize religion at home are more vulnerable to counterattack and more likely to abandon their efforts. Securing the Sacred makes a significant contribution to the fields of political theory, international relations, Islamic studies, and security/military studies.
Despite significant theoretical distinctions between securitization on the domestic and the international levels, he finds that the outcome of addressing religion within the context of security hinges upon partnerships. Whereas states may harness the power of international allies, they cannot often find analogous domestic allies; therefore, states that attempt to securitize religion at home are more vulnerable to counterattack and more likely to abandon their efforts. Securing the Sacred makes a significant contribution to the fields of political theory, international relations, Islamic studies, and security/military studies.
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Cover
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Title
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Copyright
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Contents
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Acknowledgments
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Foreword
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Introduction: Religion as a National Security Enigma
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1. Religion and International Security: Theory and Method
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2. Securitization of Religion: The Basic Discourse
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3. Britain: Religion as a Weapon
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4. France: Securitization and Laicite
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5. The United States: “Islam Will Police Itself”
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Conclusion: Religion, “The Smartest Power of All”?
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Afterword
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Notes
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References
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Index
Citable Link
Published: 2014
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
- 978-0-472-03675-2 (paper)
- 978-0-472-11922-6 (hardcover)
- 978-0-472-12009-3 (ebook)