Religion has often been
debated as a cause or a cure of conflict. The latest report from the Institute
for Economics and Peace, provides important statistical analysis of the link
between religion and peace. The report “Five Key
Questions Answered on the Link between Peace and Religion”, debunks
common myths about the role of religion in conflict and aims to broaden the
discussion on whether religion in itself is a cause of conflict or whether
there are other more significant factors.
The research shows that of
the 35 armed conflicts that took place in 2013, only 5 were motivated by
religious elements alone. Importantly, nearly two thirds of the 35 conflicts
had among their main cause opposition to a particular government or opposition to
the economic, ideological, political or social system of a state. When
analysing the motivation for these conflicts, the desire for identity and
self-government was a part of 60% of conflicts.
MAIN FINDINGS
- Corruption, economic inequality and political instability have a greater impact on countries’ likelihood of conflict than religious differences.
- The proportion of atheists in a country does not impact levels of peace.
- Many Muslim-majority countries with Sunni and Shia demographic mixes are relatively peaceful.
- Only 14% of conflicts in 2013 were motivated by religion alone, however religion was one of multiple causes in 60% of conflicts.
- Two thirds of the conflicts had as their main cause opposition to a particular government or opposition to the economic, ideological, political or social system of a state.
- More peaceful countries tend to have fewer restrictions on religious behaviour and less hostility towards religion.
The Peace and Religion report shows that religion
can be a catalyst for peace, as religious groups and communities tend to
strengthen the social bonds of citizens. Civic engagement and participation, as
well as higher group membership, such as sports or religious groups,
corresponds with slightly higher levels of peace and can strengthen the
resilience of societies.
