A new report from the Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion and Diplomacy—a forum of diplomats from North America and Europe who collaborate on religion-related policy issues—discusses “Religion and Coloniality in Diplomacy.” The author analyzes how existing power structures and relationships created by colonialism continue to influence contemporary policy issues tied to religion such as terrorism, sexuality, and reproductive rights.

The Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion and Diplomacy (TPNRD) has released a new report on Religion and Coloniality in Diplomacy by Joram Tarusarira of the University of Groningen.

A wide range of contemporary policy issues tied to religion continue to be informed by the legacies of colonialism; among them security and terrorism, the promotion of freedom of religion and belief (FoRB), gender equality, sexuality, and reproductive rights. Tarusarira distinguishes the historical period of colonialism from ‘coloniality’: the ongoing presence of structures and relationships of power created through the practices of colonialism. The author outlines some of these specific influences from the colonial period and he concludes with a series of recommendations that can help policymakers avoid exacerbating the effects of colonialism’s legacy in global politics.

Joram Tarusarira is Assistant Professor of Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding at the University of Groningen and Director of the university’s Centre for Religion, Conflict and Globalisation.

Read the report