Democracy, Security, and Religious Political Parties: A Framework for Analysis

Abstract

This article analyzes the effects of democracy on religious political parties. Using a comparative and cross-regional approach, we argue that religious political parties in democracies can be “tamed” with access to patronage, power, and policy. While democracy tends to have a moderating influence, we identify the conditions and circumstances under which extremism may not be quelled merely by the party's participation in the government. The article briefly considers the arguments – both pro and con – that have emerged in recent debates over the intersection of religion, security, and democracy. The article then provides a framework for assessing the impact of democracy on religious political parties, and considers how these dynamics play out in the Asian region. In addressing the question “does democracy tame the radicals?” it is important to study Asia because it offers a set of varied democratic institutions; demonstrates different ways of adjudicating religion, the state, and secularism; and includes a diverse set of religious political parties espousing both moderate and radical political platforms. The article concludes with an overview of the Forum essays, which analyze democracy, security, and religious political parties in India, Indonesia, Italy and Israel.