Trends suggest that religion's Trends suggest that religion's public impact has increased worldwide, with major policy and security implications for the U.S. and the world. Religion exerts considerable influence on democratic transitions, and religious political parties and movements have garnered significant popular support in a variety of democracies. At the same time, religious grievances have been important factors in civil wars, interstate conflicts and international terrorism. Changes in global religious demography, such as the rapid growth of Christianity in the global South and increased Muslim immigration to Western nations, also continue to shape public attitudes and government policies. |