The Role of Religion in Foreign Policy Formulation, a Case Study in Kenya.

Abstract

Religion is a crucial factor that has been deeply associated with the existence of human beings. Religion is the belief in and adoration of a supernatural entity or being that is thought to have a powerful controlling influence on our life.. Religion provides guidelines that supposedly shape humans to be on the "right" path in life. Thus religion shapes human behavior and identity. Historically, religion offers a spiritual impact that shapes society and communities. Therefore, religion plays a significant role in foreign policy formulation, either negatively or positively. In the twenty-first century, one of the most important obstacles to intrastate and interstate interactions has emerged from the role and effects of religion. Recently, faith has emerged as an essential explainer of international relations. Religious institutions play a vital role in shaping foreign relations. For example, the Apostolic See is the church's jurisdiction or the overall overseer of the catholic churches worldwide. It has been known for contributing to foreign policy formulation and affairs worldwide for centuries. Additionally, there is a new and unresolved question regarding the role and effects of religion in the creation of foreign policy. International relations experts are motivated to conduct research and discover solutions by the existence of contentious and complex issues involving the inclusion of religion in the development of foreign policy. Empirical studies possess different opinions concerning different beliefs and adherence to international relations. Moreover, scholars have extensively researched whether religion fuels international warfare since the end of the cold war. The study aims to ascertain how religion influences the creation and formulation of foreign policy. The study seeks to understand religion's theoretical and empirical role in foreign policy development, focusing on the case of Kenya and other nations. The research aims to assess religion's impact on foreign policy formulation in Kenya. It is impossible for scholars to overlook the mass information on the role of religion in foreign policy that was created by scholars who came into being before this study. Theoretical perspectives from international relations and comparative politics will enable the study to establish a thorough framework for comprehending the role religion plays and its influence on the development of foreign policy. Considering that different countries adhere to various religions makes evaluating religion's influence on other states' foreign policy difficult. It is difficult for states with similar religions and beliefs to go into war. Therefore, it is easy for states with other faiths to go into battle or fail to reach a standard agreement on conflict resolution matters. Additionally, a state's faith plays a significant role in international relations. In civilization theory, belief might lead states to relate differently depending on the type of religion. Religious inheritances can influence the role and impact of religion on foreign policy formulation. Researchers categorize religion as culture in most cases, and its content is organized and theorized as culture. Religion is a component of the state's culture and a source of identity for the state, which influences the development of foreign policy. Moreover, religion shaped in institutions shapes the state's foreign policy and the interests attached. According to the constructivist approach, culture provides the logic through which states can prioritize and rationalize interests in terms of foreign policy formulation. Religion is part of a culture. Therefore, scholars characterize it with beliefs, norms, and practices, thus providing a setting for right living and pursuing vital interests. Additionally, researchers cannot address religion separately; therefore, politics and the state's claims must be included, specifically in states where religion plays a significant role in decision-making. Key Words Foreign policy formulation, religion, international relations (I.R.).