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 National Science
Foundation Award #0516836 |
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Doctoral Dissertation Research in Political Science: Religion and Democratization in Christian and Islamic Societies |
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| Investigator(s): |
Daniel Treisman (PI)
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| Sponsor: |
University of California-Los Angeles, CA 90024 3107940102
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| Start Date/Expiration Date |
2005-09-01 to 2006-08-31 (amended 2005-07-28) |
| Awarded Amount to Date: |
$3,460 |
| Abstract: This Doctoral Dissertation Research project studies the role of religion in the development of democracy. While scholars, policymakers and journalists assert a strong relationship between religion and democracy, most focus on the type of religion prevalent in a country rather than on the processes through which religion affects political outcomes. This project outlines and tests a theory that identifies organizational and societal factors; rather than religious doctrine and ideology; as the main mechanisms that connect religion to political
action in support of democratic transition. It uses a mixed methodological approach,
including quantitative analysis of national-level empirical data and qualitative analysis
of interviews and observations obtained in the course of field work in the Eurasian
Republics of Armenia and Georgia.
Quantitative analysis of data on the structure of religious organizations and the
religious composition of societies will be used to uncover trends regarding the impact of
religion on democratic transition and consolidation. An original data set is constructed
that contains variables from over 120 countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and
Africa. To supplement the data analysis, interviews of religious leaders, government
officials and lay observers from the field will attempt to uncover the motivations behind
political action by religious groups and the aspects of religious beliefs, practices, and
organization that are most relevant to politics.
This study will contribute to scholarship on democratization by focusing on components of
religion and the paths through which they influence the processes of democratic transition
and consolidation. It will focus on theory-building in an area of scholarship that lacks
established and tested theories. It will serve to unite fields of inquiry based on the
examination of ideology, mass political behavior, political values, group organization and
group competition as they relate to regime change and stability. The study will also
contribute qualitatively to the field of religion and politics by compiling data on
Eastern Christianity and Islam that other scholars can use to perform comparative studies
with other religious traditions. Examination of restrictions on religious practice and
competition among religious groups will aid in understanding the role of foreign-based
religious groups and the rise of religious extremism in developing democracies. Finally,
focusing on former communist societies will allow for study of the effect of the easing of
restrictions on religious practice and other forms of expression on the political
activities of religious groups.
Broader Impact: This project will have a broader impact outside of the field of political science, as democratization and the rise of religious movements are currently relevant issues in politics and important to the international community. The data that this study will
compile will have particular significance for policymakers, consultants and NGOs involved
in promoting democratic development, human rights, and civil society in both the Eurasian
region and other areas of the world. The actions of religious groups affect the peace and
stability of regimes in the region specifically, and transnational religious movements
gaining popularity in these areas impact Eurasia; neighbors and the international community. |
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| NSF Org: |
SES - Division of Social and Economic Sciences |
| Award Number: |
0516836 |
| Award Instrument: |
Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Brian D. Humes
SES Division of Social and Economic Sciences
SBE Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences
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| NSF Program(s): |
POLITICAL SCIENCE |
| Field Application(s): |
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM, 9179 |
| Program Element Code(s): |
1371 |
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