ABSTRACT
Acknowledging that diplomats have long engaged with religious actors, this chapter explores whether integrating a deeper understanding of religion more effectively into the foreign policy analysis and the formulation of American diplomatic strategy would result in more effective diplomatic engagement. The chapter discusses the history of American diplomacy and how religious freedom and the issue of religion have been handled in the recent past. It poses the question as to whether this increased understanding and integration of religion in analysis and practice could result in a more comprehensive religious literacy, and therefore more effective diplomacy, given the central role that religion plays in the life and decision making of many people around the world. The chapter explores whether diplomacy that more effectively integrates understanding of religion would also contribute to greater stability and peace.
