Elizabeth Shakman Hurd

Elizabeth Shakman Hurd is a professor of political science and religious studies at Northwestern University who specializes in international relations, religion, and politics. She has made significant contributions to understanding how religion intersects with global politics, law, and governance. Her work examines the complex relationship between religion and secularism in international affairs, with particular focus on how religious freedom and religious diversity are managed by modern states. Her books include "The Politics of Secularism in International Relations" (2008) and "Beyond Religious Freedom: The New Global Politics of Religion" (2015). Hurd's research challenges conventional approaches to religious freedom and interfaith dialogue in international politics. She has been critical of what she terms "the religious engagement industry" and questions standard policy frameworks for addressing religion in global affairs. As a frequent contributor to academic and public discourse, Hurd has written for outlets like Boston Review and The Atlantic, while maintaining active research projects on religion and global politics. She serves on several academic editorial boards and has received grants from organizations including the Luce Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies.

Readers appreciate Hurd's critical analysis of how governments and international organizations approach religion. Academic reviewers note her ability to question established frameworks for religious freedom and secularism in international relations. Readers highlight: - Clear breakdown of complex political-religious relationships - Strong evidence supporting arguments against standardized religious freedom policies - Accessible writing on technical policy topics Common criticisms: - Dense academic language limits general audience accessibility - Some readers find theoretical arguments repetitive - Limited practical solutions offered alongside critiques Ratings: Goodreads: - "Beyond Religious Freedom" - 4.0/5 (42 ratings) - "The Politics of Secularism" - 3.9/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: - "Beyond Religious Freedom" - 4.2/5 (12 reviews) - "The Politics of Secularism" - 4.0/5 (8 reviews) One academic reviewer noted: "Hurd effectively demonstrates how religious freedom initiatives can paradoxically restrict religious practice." Another commented: "Dense but rewards careful reading with important insights on religion in international affairs."

Beyond Religious Freedom: The New Global Politics of Religion (2015) Examines how state-sponsored religious outreach programs and international religious freedom advocacy affect religious communities and their relationships with governments.

The Politics of Secularism in International Relations (2008) Analyzes how two distinct forms of secularism - laicism and Judeo-Christian secularism - shape international relations and foreign policy.

Religion and Politics in Iran: From Khomeini to Ahmadinejad (2010, co-edited with Ali Mirsepassi) Compiles scholarly essays examining religious politics in Iran, focusing on the period from the 1979 revolution through Ahmadinejad's presidency.

Comparative Secularisms in a Global Age (2010, co-edited with Linell E. Cady) Presents academic perspectives on different forms of secularism across various global contexts and time periods.

At Home and Abroad: The Politics of American Religion (2021, co-edited with Winnifred Fallers Sullivan) Analyzes the role of American religion in both domestic and international contexts through historical and contemporary case studies.

Saba Mahmood analyzes secularism, religion, and politics in the Middle East with focus on Egypt and women's movements. Her work examines how religious practices shape political subjectivity and critiques Western assumptions about secularism.

Talal Asad investigates the relationship between religion, secularism and power through anthropological and genealogical approaches. His work questions dominant narratives about the secular and religious divide while examining postcolonial governance.

William E. Connolly explores pluralism, secularism and democracy through political theory. His research connects religion with contemporary political issues including identity, sovereignty and environmental politics.

José Casanova studies religion in the modern world with emphasis on globalization and secularization processes. His work analyzes how religious institutions and movements engage with public life across different societies.

Charles Taylor examines secularism and modernity through philosophical and historical perspectives. His research traces the development of secular thought while questioning assumptions about religion's decline in contemporary society.