I serve as the policy director of an independent U.S. government commission that advises the Executive and Legislative branches of government on foreign policy as it relates to religious freedom. My research focuses on, among other things, how violent religious extremists challenge U.S. national interests and what actions the U.S. government can take to mitigate those challenges. I have written widely on these subjects, focusing on South and Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Religion is a powerful force that validates governments and motivates peoples and societies, with history repeatedly proving the high cost of ignoring these dynamics. The 19th century military strategist Henri de Jomani in his treatise The Art of War deplored conflicts stemming from “religious dogmas” because they “enlist the worst passions, and become vindictive, cruel, and terrible.” Today, repression of religious actors is growing, in a world that is increasingly more religious. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has found the 3 out of every 4 people in the world live in countries that repress religion, and other survey work has found 80% of the global population believes in something greater than themselves. Overlaid together, the likelihood for increased conflict along religious lines is high, and these sectarian wars will be long, violent, and destabilizing to nations and entire regions.
Research Questions on Mitigating Religious Discrimination
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