"Religion plays a crucial role in many international conflicts, yet for the most part, diplomacy either ignores or misunderstands that role. This unified collection of case studies and theoretical pieces attempts to restore this missing dimension to its rightful place in the conduct of international diplomacy and offers the first systematic account of modern cases in which religious or spiritual factors have played a part in preventing or resolving conflict and achieving nonviolent change. A distinguished roster of scholars provides examples from Europe, Central America, Asia, and Africa. Additional essays bring out the implications of these case studies for foreign policy and for the religious communities."--BOOK JACKET.