DP20356 Politics and Religion
In this work, we provide a dedicated and systematic review and organization of the ample literature on the relationship between religion and politics. Not only is this nexus relevant to economists per se because it involves preference formation, individual behavior, and policy choices, it also represents a key determinant of several socioeconomic outcomes. First, we analyze the existing contributions concerning the religious legitimacy of political power and its role in shaping the relationship between political and religious leaders. Second, we explore the research on the intervention of political rulers in the religion market, including the establishment of a state religion, cooperation with religious authorities, and suppression of religious liberty. Finally, we dig deep into previous analysis of the effects of organized religion and religious beliefs on institutional change, political preferences, and political results under electoral regimes. The concluding remarks consider the implications of the religion-politics nexus for socioeconomic outcomes.
