Program on Religion, Diplomacy and International Relations

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About PORDIR

Given the undeniable role religion is playing in interstate and intrastate conflicts and aspects of international affairs in the twenty-first century, the Program on Religion, Diplomacy and International Relations (PORDIR) has been created to offer students and faculty at Princeton University the opportunity to study, reflect and generate ideas concerning the multiple intersections of religion, diplomacy and international relations.

The program explores the influence of religion and religious beliefs in the conduct of international diplomacy, power politics, crisis and conflict management, and other activities of state and non-state actors, including religious actors.  A luncheon seminar series, a public lecture series and an academic colloquium will be will be part of the initial phases of the program, which will eventually include interdepartmental teaching and publication.  A key component of the program is the opportunity for a cohort of undergraduate and graduate students – representing a range of religious, academic and ideological perspectives – to participate as Fellows in Religion and International Affairs.

While the focus of the program is clearly defined as religion and international relations, it is anticipated that it will attract participation from faculty members and students from the university community representing academic department including Sociology, Religion, Economics, Politics, Philosophy, History, the Woodrow Wilson School, Near Eastern Studies, South Asian Studies, and African Studies.  The program is co-directed by LISD Director, Wolfgang Danspeckgruber and The Rev. Paul Raushenbush, Associate Dean of Religious Life.  Select faculty members will be invited to participate in the program as Faculty Associates, and all faculty are encouraged to be involved as time and interest permits.