Transforming Politics, Dynamic Religion: Religion's Political Impact in Contemporary Africa

Abstract

This article addresses the salient phenomenon of religious mobilization in the political arena, particularly in light of recent democratization or degrees of regime liberalization to multiparty competition. It explores the issue across Sub-Saharan Africa, to analyze the various forms of religious engagement in politics. The analysis builds from cross-national survey data as well as an institutional focus on state restrictions and preferences, and a condensed analysis of Kenya, Senegal, and Zambia as critical cases. I suggest that the dialectical relationship between the political opportunity structure and religious politicization is evolving in tandem. While political liberalization has allowed associational pluralism to expand, religious organizations experience internal fragmentation and seek political alliances and recognition in new forms. The variable politicization of religion is part of a progression in competitive politics in the ongoing search for representation and power.

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