Religion, politics and conflicts

The proportion of armed conflicts in which religion plays a role has doubled in the last 40 years – from one third in 1975 to two-thirds in 2017. The main cause of these conflicts is not religion per se, but rather the clash between different world views.

In its peace policy work, Switzerland takes a neutral stance towards the various religious traditions: rather than focusing on discussing world views and religious principles, it concentrates on finding concrete solutions that lead to the renunciation of violence and allow peaceful coexistence between people of different religions and world views. Cooperation on joint projects on the ground promotes trust-building between and within groups and is a key component of conflict resolution.

Switzerland believes that exclusion from the political process can make young and older people renounce democratic means. It therefore strives to involve all forces in society, including religious-political groups that are willing to engage in dialogue on the shaping of their society and the search for peaceful solutions to conflicts. 

In its peace policy projects in the thematic area of religion, politics and conflicts, Switzerland works closely with universities, NGOs, religious communities and civil society groups. It is currently supporting peace promotion projects with religious dimensions in Iraq, Israel, Mali, Nigeria and Thailand.

In addition, it promotes professionalisation in the field of religion and mediation through regular training courses (see box) as well as support for specialist and policy-relevant publications.