ABSTRACT
The rise of "fundamentalism" in different forms reflects how religiosity has become vital in the public sphere. This chapter argues that while religion has been an inspiration for clashes between different peoples, religion has proved equally to be one of the most important forces of world peace. In the United States as well as in the Muslim word, the religious element plays a key role in shaping worldviews. Scholars differ in their explanations of the relationship between religion and world conflict. Primordialists argue that religious difference is one of the most important independent variables to explain violence in and between nations. As acts of violence require legitimization, religion can provide such legitimization. President George W. Bush put religion at the forefront of a war against Iraq. President Bush once said, "Terrorists who claim Islam as their inspiration defile one of the world's great faiths."
