An Economic Analysis of Religion and Religious Violence (Transatlantic Academy)

How can we explain the return of religion as a strong social phenomenon, often related to increasing social tensions? Once we understand the causes of intensified religious activities, what can be done to weaken the trend toward religious violence? This brief argues that religiousness and religious violence are the consequence of specific economic, political, or social conditions but are more importantly the result of strategic goals of religious clubs and their efficiency in organizing and mobilizing their members.