Religion and Politics

Why have religious institutions grown more influential in the age of globalization? I argue that the post-Cold War era has seen a bottleneck pressure on religious institutions. Although social, political, and economic developments have reduced overall levels of religiosity, religious leaders and practitioners like have grown more aggressive in their relationship to the state. This body of research explores both politicking by religious actors as well as cooptation and accommodation by secular states.

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Comparative Constitutions

How does a nation's Constitution shape the practice of religion? This area of study focus on cases that can illustrate the nuances of larger datasets with specific countries' institutions. Much of this work contrasts the United States, with a long-standing Constitution and a tradition of Separation of Religion and State, with the State of Israel, which has no formal Constitution and no formal Separation. I am particularly interested in how religious nationalists navigate these distinct institutional environments.  

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Social Capital

I am especially focused on religious actors’ role in civil society, and the extent to which religious actors generate social capital during periods of socioeconomic upheaval. Can religion guide the public through the wilderness of change? Does Separation of Religion and State aid or hinder religious institutions in this regard? This area of research focuses on social and institutional trust, particularly as it is offset by globalization. It explores how religious identities shape behaviors, and how constitutional structures surrounding religion shape those identities.