From evolving forms of inter-religious dialogue within shifting contexts to the coalitions between religious and political actors, and collaborations within social movements, religions are actively participating in novel alliances. These alliances are forged, lived and narrated in the public sphere, among religious groups as well as in the encounter of religious and secular actors. The interplay between religious groups and secular forces encompasses both complex alliances and conflicts. Alliances among religious groups may be driven by a shared concern over the perceived erosion of religious influence. They may also wish to answer upon increased pressure to justify their place in society. At the same time, religious traditions are themselves characterized by internal divisions and political cleavages. New alliances along these lines do not see religion as the distinguishing feature but rather the struggle for a common goal in religious-secular partnerships. We are witnessing a complex and dynamic landscape where alliances and divisions coexist, and dialogue – understood as an engaged conversation not just an exchange of empty phrases – is increasingly difficult and crucial at the same time. This underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the diverse motivations and dynamics that shape the interactions among religious groups and between religious and secular actors in different societal contexts.

Within this research joint research focus, RaT members address the following topics

• New political, social, environmental, cultural and humanitarian alliances that involve or emerge around religious actors (e.g. alliances with right-wing populists, green religions, etc.)
• Transnational activities of inter-religious networks and alliances between religious and secular actors (including their involvement in international organizations and European governance)
• The failure or lack of dialogue with and among religions in increasingly secular and polarized environments
• Gendered and generational perspectives on religion in dialogue
• Means and methods of dialogue and exchange with and among religions
• Analyses of narratives that underlie religion in dialogue and the new alliances we observe
• Historical examples of dialogue forums and forms of dialogue that have enabled exchange, reconciliation of interests and common objectives
• New theological, philosophical and historical narrations to unearth potentials for understanding between religious communities or to overcome religious-secular divides
• The potential of art to open up spaces of encounter with and among religions and artistic impulses for dialogue