POLICY ACTORS AND POLICY ISSUES FOR RELIGION IN PUBLIC DIALOGUE AND PEACEMAKING

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to establish a connection between key policy actors
and significant policy issues regarding religion in public discourse and peacebuilding
within a broader context. The challenge lies in addressing the dilemmas surrounding
whether discussions about religion, its impact on younger generations, and its role in
peacemaking are solely influenced by religious factors, or if other social and political actors
play a role as well. Through our research, we have identified ongoing political processes
that have the potential to enhance religious dialogue and peacemaking on various
levels. This mapping of actors and processes has been informed by literature, established
academic and social networks like Culturelink (a Network of Networks for Research
and Cooperation in Cultural Development, established by UNESCO and the Council
of Europe), web searches, and interviews with stakeholders. The result of this analysis
is a comprehensive list of over 300 actors documented in the RETOPEA Horizon 2020
project. We contend that current political processes offer opportunities to strengthen
dialogue, which is more robust in some European countries but lacking in others when it
comes to addressing issues related to the resurgence of religion in international politics
and peacebuilding efforts.