It is commonly assumed that the issue of religion declines in political significance as societies modernise. However, the upheaval associated with the shift from authoritarian to more open regimes can be accompanied by a revitalisation of religion. Individuals within these societies are struggling to find meaning in the seeming chaos of political change; religious elites are seeking to define their own role within the new order; and political elites are looking for new ways of ensuring legitimacy and building national unity. In this book John Anderson constructs a theoretical framework where he compares and contrasts the politics of religious liberty in two Southern European countries, two Central-Eastern European countries and the evolution of the former USSR, particularly Russia. Exploring these issues of religious 'recognition' and religious diversity, Anderson attempts to expose the wider problem of creating a democratic mentality in such transitional societies, through extensive original research and interviews.

 

 

There are 232 pages in this book. This book was published in 2009 by Cambridge University Press .

John Anderson is a highly experienced Chemistry teacher who has worked as a Principal Teacher and Depute Head Teacher at a very successful school in Scotland. An experienced SQA examiner and Chemistry curriculum consultant for many schools, John is also a Chartered Chemist and a Chartered Science Teacher. He is a bestselling author, having written popular resources for all levels of the Scottish curriculum from CfE Level 3 Science to Advanced Higher Chemistry.