Ansari Travel Scholarship in Religion and International Affairs

Since at least the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 90s, religion has become a crucial feature of global affairs. Whether used by groups as a language of resistance to what they see as injustice, or by governments to oppress citizens, the role of religion in international and domestic political life is complex and highly sensitive to specific contexts and cultures. The Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict’s student research awards are grounded in the conviction that students experience exponential learning and growth when they can travel and learn firsthand about other cultures and societies. Critical to our vision is preparing the next generation of citizens and leaders to think more deeply and clearly about how religion influences and shapes world affairs.