There are two separate sets of readings in this section. The series of articles by , , , , , , , and , deal with the general challenges that IR is facing in handling religion and its inclusion in theories of IR and world politics. Read these together and devote a section to them. The two readings by deal with the specific question of whether Islam and Muslims can accept the “norms” of IR, especially the “Nation-State”, as the organizing unit and concept of IR. The article by considers the historical interaction between Islam and the “Nation-State” building process in much of the Muslim world. The readings by and provide an overview of both the traditional and the contemporary thinking of Muslim scholars on international relations, as well as questions of war and peace in Sunni and the Shia Islamic thought. In the , the video lecture (up to minute 45) by , the leading and famous Canadian philosopher, addresses the role and interaction of religion and secularism in the modern world. intense interview with the famous British scientist, is an interesting exchange on tension between beliefs in religion and science. Try to identify a few key points, from each required video that you find most interesting and relevant.
