Faith and Power: Religion as the Missing Variable in International Relations Theories

This paper offers a critical exploration of the exclusion of religion within dominant theories of International Relations (IR), particularly Realism, Liberalism, and Neo-Marxism; all of which originated in secular Western intellectual traditions. The study addresses the research question: In what ways can IR theory be reframed to adequately integrate religion as a fundamental element in the analysis of identity, power, and global political behavior? The main objective is to expose the conceptual blind spots in mainstream IR and to propose a broader, more inclusive theoretical approach. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical methodology grounded in thorough library-based research, the article investigates prominent examples of religion-influenced political movements, including the Iranian Revolution and Hindu nationalism, while drawing on insights from post-secular and decolonial theoretical traditions. The research finds that religion serves a critical function in the construction of international actions, values, and legitimacy. It concludes that recognizing religion within IR theory strengthens both analytical depth and policy applicability in a culturally diverse global landscape.