Description
Book SynopsisIn Moral Pressure for Responsible Globalization, Sherrie M. Steiner offers an account of religious diplomacy with the G8, G7 and G20 to evoke new possibilities in an effort to influence globalization to become more equitable and sustainable. Commonly portrayed as ‘out of control’, globalization is considered here as a political process that can be redirected to avoid the tragedy of the global commons. The secularization tradition of religion depicts faith-based public engagement as dangerous. Making use of historical materials from faith-based G-plus System shadow summits (2005-2017), Steiner provides ample information to arrive at an interpretation that significantly differs from traditional accounts. Using broader scope conditions, Steiner considers how human induced environmental changes contribute to religious resurgence under conditions of weakening nation states.
Trade Review"Rigorous, inclusive, and extensive, Moral Pressure for Responsible Globalization is an exemplary model of transdisciplinary scholarship that not only contributes new knowledge otherwise lost between the interstices of disciplines, but also addresses at its core the ethical imperative of globalized responsibility for the ecosystems upon which our lives depend. At a time when the era of globalization is characterized by “governance without government,” mounting uncertainties, and “wicked problems” such as the metastasizing of religiously motivated violence, Moral Pressure for Responsible Globalization is indispensable literature for religious studies scholars and political scientists alike." - Adam Loch, University of Denver/Illif School of Theology, Reading Religion March 2018 "This impressive and well-researched book provides readers with new insights into the politics at the juncture of religion and transnational environmental policy." - P. Sean Morris, University of Helsinki, Finland, International Affairs 95: 6, 2019.
Table of ContentsForeword Acknowledgments List of Illustrations List of Abbreviations and Acronyms 1 Introduction: Religious Engagement for More Responsible Governance Beyond Sustainable Development as Oxymoron The Evolution of Religious Shadow Summitry Theoretical Account of the F8/F7/F20 Initiative Theoretical Development—Why Religion? Why Now? In Matters of Religion, Religion Matters 2 G-plus System Diplomacy The Origins and Evolution of the G-plus System The Rules of Governing without Government Broadening the Dialogue Engagement Group Recognition Monitoring of the G-plus System 3 Governance in the Age of the Anthropocene Primarily Human-induced Global Environmental Changes Environmental Implications for Governance ‘Transition Science’ Emerges to Inform Governance Governance for a Common Future Implications for G8/G7 and G20 Financial Deliberations Patterned Vulnerabilities and Anti-Globalization Protests Governance without Government The Costs of Globalized Irresponsibility Conclusion 4 The Return of Religion to Transnational Relations Transnational Religious Resurgence The Crisis of Secularization Can Secularization be Taken Too Far? Reimagining the Secular with ‘Cosmopolitan Solutions’ Religious Diplomacy Cosmopiety Conclusion 5 The F8/F7/F20 Initiative Origins and Evolution The F8 The F7 The F20 The Merge Patterning after the G-plus System Distinguishing Factors Invitees and Organizational Representation Phases of Development Conclusion 6 Illuminating the Unseen Summary Overview Annual Initiatives 2005 United Kingdom—Civil Society Ecumenical Origins 2006 Russia—An Interfaith State Affair 2007 Germany—Consolidating the Vision 2008 Japan—Decentering Anthropocentrism 2009 Italy—A Natural Disaster 2010 Canada—Engagement and Governance 2011 France—Respecting the ‘Other’ 2012 United States—Special Delivery 2013 United Kingdom—All a Twitter 2014 Australia—New Beginnings 2015 Istanbul—Consolidation 2016 China—Entering a New Phase of Dialogue 2017 Germany—Officially Engaged Conclusion 7 Organizing Details, External Relations, and Documentation Organizing the Summits Leadership Rotation The Organizing Committees Financing Religious Ritual Special Events and Excursions Aborted Events External Relations Heads of State Government Advisors Foreign Ministers Sherpas Members of Parliament Mayors Special Advisors Civil Society Academia Business Media Conclusion 8 Reform, Assessment, and Impact Reform Accountability Enduring Informality Reflexive Engagement Assessment Information Technology Influence of International Relations Institutional Differentiation Competing Assessments Redundant Replacement Rejection Reinforcement Impact G-plus System Gender Domestic Relations Conclusion 9 The Golden Thread A New Millennium Global Ethic—Global Norm The MDG Focal Point F8/F7/F20 MDG Dialogue Transition Dynamics F20 SDG Dialogue Non-human Agency Conclusion 10 Collaboration for a Responsible Future Religious Diplomacy in the Age of the Anthropocene Tikkun Olam Changing Times SDG Implementation Challenges Governance Forecasts What an F20 Might Offer Further Research Appendix A: Theoretical Orientation, Methodology, Documentation & Data Methodology Documentation Data Appendix B: Institutional Affiliations Reference List References
