Religious Freedom in American Identity and Foreign Policy

By Dr. Chris Seiple on 28 January 2011

Responding to Chinese President Hu Jintao's recent visit, Chris Seiple remarks in the Washington Post on the inherent role of religious freedom in America's identity and, hence, its foreign policy. Seiple argues that American foreign policy is not American if religious freedom is not a priority. Religious freedom is not merely a geo-political issue, nor is it Republican or Democrat: it is foremost a function of who Americans are as a people.

Seiple proposes a four-pronged approach to a government-led, intentionally institutionalized conversation on the protection of freedoms. This approach would include a habitual bilateral dialogue, an ongoing attempt to discern common cultural principles, the occasional inclusion of non-state actors, and roadmap agreements. He points to the need for trained U.S. government personnel who can relate religious freedom and human rights to national security issues and economic issues. He highlights in particular the immediate need for the Obama administration to fill the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. This appointment would signal America's seriousness on this issue to the world.

Last updated 31 January 2011