“After constructing a 62-variable data set for 175 governments, Jonathan Fox sensitively probes a series of issues that have long required but defied a multi-comparative quantitative analysis. Well-aware of both the strengths and weaknesses of such an approach, he explores the full range of hotly debated issues at the macro interface of religion and politics. Not surprisingly, the U.S. anchors one end of the separatist continuum, but surprises abound throughout this major contribution.” -N.J. Demerath III, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

• 1. Introduction; 2. The question of religion's role in politics and society: modernization, secularization, and beyond?; 3. Quantifying religion; 4. Global GIR from 1990 to 2002; 5. Western democracies; 6. The former Soviet bloc; 7. Asia; 8. The Middle East and North Africa; 9. Sub-Saharan Africa; 10. Latin America; 11. Patterns and trends; 12. Conclusions.

“After constructing a 62-variable data set for 175 governments, Jonathan Fox sensitively probes a series of issues that have long required but defied a multi-comparative quantitative analysis. Well-aware of both the strengths and weaknesses of such an approach, he explores the full range of hotly debated issues at the macro interface of religion and politics. Not surprisingly, the U.S. anchors one end of the separatist continuum, but surprises abound throughout this major contribution.” -N.J. Demerath III, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

• 1. Introduction; 2. The question of religion's role in politics and society: modernization, secularization, and beyond?; 3. Quantifying religion; 4. Global GIR from 1990 to 2002; 5. Western democracies; 6. The former Soviet bloc; 7. Asia; 8. The Middle East and North Africa; 9. Sub-Saharan Africa; 10. Latin America; 11. Patterns and trends; 12. Conclusions.