Understanding Religion, Conflict, and Peacebuilding

Religious beliefs and practices are often at the center of global events, sometimes fueling deep divisions and other times serving as powerful catalysts for reconciliation. To navigate today's complex geopolitical landscape, we must understand the dual role of religion as both a source of conflict and a tool for peace. This course provides a foundational framework for analyzing the intersection of faith, politics, and society. You will transition from viewing religious conflicts through a simplified lens to analyzing them with nuanced, multi-dimensional perspectives, empowering you to comprehend global affairs, community dynamics, and international relations more deeply. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational concepts of religious literacy, internal diversity, and cultural context. - Analyze historical and contemporary case studies where religion has been used to justify violence or promote systemic oppression. - Explore faith-based peacebuilding strategies, mediation techniques, and grassroots reconciliation movements. - Examine how modern digital communication and social media platforms amplify both religious polarization and peacebuilding efforts. - Apply critical frameworks to evaluate the intersection of religion, gender, and socio-economic factors in conflict zones. The course begins by establishing core definitions and religious literacy models before guiding you through historical conflicts, modern peace initiatives, and contemporary digital challenges. You will engage with written case studies and analytical reading exercises designed to build your critical thinking skills. Designed for beginners, this course requires no prior background in religious studies, international relations, or sociology. Expand your understanding of global dynamics and start analyzing the powerful forces of faith, conflict, and peace today.