Проблемы постсоветского пространства (Oct 2017)

Participation of the Church Organizations in the International Relations

  • Nikolai V. Alekseev

DOI
https://doi.org/10.24975/2313-8920-2017-4-3-265-272
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 3
pp. 265 – 272

Abstract

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Participation of the church organizations in political process is considered. The Church as an institution takes an active part in international relations. Activity of the religious organizations on the international scene has ambiguous character. They, in a historical retrospective, used policy of interference in internal and in foreign affairs of the states. It is shown that religious institutes are capable to exert impact on policy of the state. Religious organizations have shown and have a contradictory impact on interstate relations. The church organizations tried to be active participants in political life. With the strengthening of secular power, religious organizations have not ceased to use political technologies of pressure on the policies of the ruling class. They changed them and adapted them to new political realities. As a rule, the church as an institution enjoys authority among the population in most countries. The world view of many social groups is still formed under the influence of religious doctrines and concepts. The church, as well as the state, can mobilize the supporters. Many of them are ready to advocate the interests of church in political process. The fate of many political regimes, directly depended on interaction with the leadership of the church. In turn modern political actors try to strengthen own political power by means of religious institute. The ruling class is interested in participation of church in policy. Their cooperation is mutually advantageous. Activization of the church organizations in political process depends on activity of the state. In Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church enjoys popularity. She actively advances interests of the Russian political elite which in turn give to ROC various support. Along with this, the church strives to counteract the spread of Western ideals in the country. Priests actively preach traditional Christian values in the socio-political process. Their influence increases every year.

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