The panel aims to examine the role of religion in contemporary conflicts, moving beyond the binary view that sees it alternately as an automatic cause of violence and an automatic source of peace. The discussion will bring together three complementary perspectives — diplomatic, legal and mediation practice — centred on three key themes:
1. How to interpret the religious factor in conflict: distinguishing between strictly religious conflict and conflict in which faith expresses or amplifies other dynamics — nationalism, ethnicity, territory, power — and reflecting on religious literacy as a skill now essential to diplomacy.
2. How to manage religious pluralism: analysing how the law and institutions can safeguard freedom of worship, minorities and pluralism, whilst preventing differences from turning into discrimination or permanent divisions.
3. How to transform religion into a resource for mediation: through concrete case studies, examining the legitimacy, trust and conditions that make the intervention of religious actors effective in de-escalating conflict and rebuilding relationships.
