ABSTRACT
Religion has always been a player at socio-political and historical turning points: even for the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, which is accepted as the start of the decline of religion in international relations. The literature on the relationship between religion, conflict and peacebuilding is multi-layered and it seems that it will become even more intricate. Believing in the basic tenets of a religion, belonging to a religion, and behaving according to the laws/rules of that religion could be seen as fundamental in terms of the impact of religion on individuals and groups. According to statistics, terrorism and the use of suicide missions have been increasing since September 11, 2001 and religion is of the main justification tools. Despite the hegemonic weight of secularization theories in the various fields of the social sciences, and religion’s overlooked position in the field of political science.
