Between God and Emperor

On the Political Influence of Evangelical Churches in Latin America

The fast-expanding evangelical churches in Latin America are increasingly striving for political influence. So far, however, they have not yet been able to develop a common agenda. On the contrary, they are characterised by a high degree of fragmentation. In view of the growing evangelical voter potential, the influence of evangelical forces may continue to increase in the future.

Editorial

The announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that Jerusalem will be recognised as the capital of Israel and the subsequent reactions from various political and religious gropus have once again shown: both spheres – politics and religion – have always been closely interwoven, not only in Christianity, but also in Islam, Judaism, and other religions. Even in the 21ˢᵗ century, it is hard to imagine politics without any religious dimension, and religion without politics, in many parts of the world.

Failing State

Libya as a Supraregional Security Threat

Ex-U.S. President Barack Obama once described the United States’ and its allies’ lack of success in ensuring stability in Libya following the fall of the Gaddafi regime as one of the biggest failings of his time in office. Indeed, the country is sinking ever deeper into chaos. Now, the action plan by Ghassan Salamé, the United Nations’ new Special Representative for Libya, is expected to revive the peace process. If this does not succeed, the security situation risks escalating further – with far-reaching consequences both for neighbouring countries and Europe.

Heading towards Maraboutcracy?

Muslim Brotherhoods and their Influence in Senegal

Senegal is considered a stable democracy and a role model for religious tolerance in West Africa. 90 per cent of Senegalese are Muslim and belong to one of the country’s four brotherhoods. These have always been significant in shaping Senegal’s political, economic and social structures. But over the last few years, the brotherhoods’ political influence has strengthened significantly.

Hoping for a Miracle

On the Possible End of a Christian Presence in Iraq

Iraq is one of the countries generally referred to as the cradle of Christendom. Since 2003, the number of Iraqi Christians has, however, fallen dramatically. Whether Christianity has any sort of future in Iraq is currently impossible to divine.

Law, Religion, and the Social Divide in Asia: Contexts and Challenges

This article discusses how religion, law, and political calculations all interact to define religious policies and discourse in Asia. It also demonstrates the extent to which religious populist elements have influenced emergent policies and practices that affect citizens’ rights and interests.

So Close and Yet So Far

The UK since the Brexit Referendum

The UK’s decision to leave the EU based on the so-called Brexit referendum shocked Europe. How did it come to this? What internal rifts and contradictions are the root causes of the referendum result? What expectations, concerns, and fears does the impending separation entail? And what are the prospects for a future relationship?

A Breakthrough at Long Last?

On the Revival of the Israeli–Palestinian Joint Water Committee

The crisis-ridden Middle East is among the world’s water scarcest regions. The issue of the equitable distribution ofthe cross-border resource water regularly fuels conflicts. Unresolved water issues are proving to be an obstacle to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The decision to revive the Israeli–Palestinian Joint Water Committee has led to a rapprochement in the water sector after years of inactivity. Will the breakthrough now succeed?

A Shadow of the Past?

Latin America’s Fight against Corruption

News stories about corruption cases in Latin America are ubiquitous. Most recently, the bribery scandal relating to the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht made headlines worldwide. Despite or maybe because of these frequent bad news stories there has been a significant increase in anti-corruption measures in Latin America since the beginning of this year. The continent still has a long way to go in its efforts to fight corruption effectively. But there are signs that a turnaround may for the first time finally be possible.

Big Lake, Big Problems

Is There Still Time to Secure the Water Resources Lake Victoria Provides?

Lake Victoria is essential to the lives of over 30 million people. Water pollution, resource exploitation and a lack of regional cooperation are threatening its ecological balance. The situation is exacerbated by the high population growth rate. There are justifiable doubts as to whether the future of the essential water resource provided by Africa’s largest lake is secure.