The premise of this new text is straightforward: Religion matters in world politics. Therefore, to comprehend the world around us, we need to understand how and why religion matters, analyze the interaction in a systematic way, and have a framework in which to fit facts and events that we cannot yet anticipate. The goal of Religion and Politics on the World Stage is to provide the information and tools necessary to accomplish those tasks. Designed with undergraduate students in mind, the book: Explains theories, trends, assumptions, and situations in an accessible way; consistently applies an international relations framework; and presents individual, state, and global levels of analysis. The vignettes that open each chapter, depicting key aspects of the nexus between religion and world politics, quickly engage readers and serve as compelling entryways into discussions of broader issues.