Social Dimensions of Religion in the Age of De-Globalization

Dear Colleagues, 

The phenomenon of de-globalization—characterized by resistance to the perceived negative consequences of globalization—has long existed but gained significant prominence in global discourse after the 2010s. Various political developments illustrate this shift. In 2015, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán constructed a border barrier along Hungary’s frontiers with Serbia and Croatia in response to the European migrant crisis. The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union—largely influenced by political figures such as Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage—marked another pivotal moment in the de-globalization movement. In the United States, Donald Trump’s presidency (2017–2021) challenged multinational cooperation, restructured trade barriers, and reshaped environmental policies. Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have pursued nationalist policies that prioritize national sovereignty. 

These shifts have generated extensive debate, especially concerning global cooperation on issues such as migration and minority rights. The re-election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States in 2025 has further intensified these discussions. His reaffirmation of the “America First” agenda underscores the continuing relevance of de-globalization policies. The border wall, a signature aspect of his administration, functions not only as a physical barrier but also as a broader ideological commitment to national sovereignty over global integration. Theoretical perspectives on globalization, such as those proposed by Bryan Turner (2011), highlight its paradoxical nature: while fostering interconnectivity, globalization also amplifies cultural, economic, and religious tensions. Turner’s exploration of the vulnerabilities and exclusions arising from globalization aligns with the motivations underpinning current de-globalization movements. 

In this evolving context, religion has emerged as a pivotal force shaping social cohesion, identity formation, and political conflict. Its role within this shifting global paradigm is multifaceted: religion can serve as both a unifying force and a source of tension. Although differences in beliefs, doctrines, and practices can contribute to conflict, these tensions often stem not solely from theological discrepancies but also from broader social, political, and economic dynamics. Religious identities frequently intersect with nationalism, migration, governance frameworks, and social hierarchies, making religion a conduit for wider societal tensions rather than their root cause. 

This Special Issue aims to examine the complex relationship between religion and de-globalization. We invite scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds—including religious studies, sociology, history, anthropology, political science, and cultural studies—to contribute original research on topics that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Religious majorities and minorities;
• Religion and migration;
• Religion and nationalism;
• Religion and gender;
• Religious identity and identification;
• Religion and media. 

We kindly request that interested authors submit a proposed title and a 200-word abstract summarizing their intended contribution before submitting a full manuscript. Please send your abstract to the Guest Editors or to Assistant Editor Sandee Pan (sandee.pan@mdpi.com) at Religions. The Guest Editors will review abstracts to ensure they align with the scope of this Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo a double-blind peer-review process.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Myengkyo Seo
Dr. Amelia Burhan
Prof. Dr. Pradeep K. Das
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• religious majorities and minorities
• migration
• nationalism
• gender
• media
• religious identity and identification