In this interview Dr. Daniel Philpott discusses the relationship between religion and global politics with Global Policy’s Suzanna Sobolewska. Drawing on his recent publications Unjust Peace: An Ethic of Political Reconciliation and Revolutions in Sovereignty, Dr. Philpott argues that we are indeed living in “God’s Century” and that religion can play a significant role in reconciliation and diplomacy, especially in times of political unrest. The interview begins by unpicking changing conceptions of sovereignty following the end of the Cold War and in response to doctrines such as the Responsibility to Protect, humanitarian interventions and human rights. This leads the discussion onto the proliferation international justice mechanisms designed to work within post conflict countries and the role of religious actors in helping to refine or, in some cases, challenge notions of the liberal peace. The interview concludes by noting the unique position occupied by efforts at faith based diplomacy.
