The Program on Religion, Diplomacy, and International Relations (PORDIR) explores the influence of religion, religious beliefs, secularism, and spirituality on the theory and practice of diplomacy and relations within the global actors’ system. PORDIR was initiated in 2006 by Prof. Wolfgang Danspeckgruber and The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush.

This yearlong seminar invites and encourages research, understanding, and discussion of issues of foreign relations, crises, socioeconomic, cultural and political dimensions in view of values and perspectives based on religious, spiritual or philosophical ideas and personal experiences. PORDIR fellows typically hear eminent speakers, representatives, and experts from many distinct religious traditions, career paths, and (national, ideological or philosophical) perspectives. 

Participating experts and representatives include:  

Prof. Uriel Abulof, Prof. Ali Ansari, Prof. Michael Barry, PM Salam Fayyad , Amb. Robert Finn, Knut Hammarskjöld, Abbott Johann Holzinger, Sir John Jenkins, Prof. Azza Karam, Amb. Prince Stefan of Liechtenstein, Prof. Katherine Marshall,  Prof. Rani Mullen, Min. Myriam Oehri, PhD., Fr. Bryan E. Page, The Rev. Paul B. Raushenbush, Amb. Martin Sajdik, Amb. Hans Ulrich Seidt, Mme Barbara Stapleton,  Edwin H. Stier, Esq.

PORDIR emphasizes inter-gender, intergenerational, and intercultural relations, conflict management, and mitigation. It searches for means and strategies to anticipate or reduce tension and crises. Previous PORDIR topics have included self-determination, public health and religious law, populist conspiracies, generational interpretations of religious norms, pathways into terrorism, revolution, environmental stewardship, cyber technology, and the ethics of drone warfare. 

Personal participation is obligatory. Participants shall author substantive and meaningful research papers that will be presented outside Princeton University and abroad to senior national decision-makers and/or key international organizations, benefitting from a global network of contacts. Previous PORDIR seminars took place in Berlin, Jerusalem, Lisbon, London, Rome, Vaduz, and Vienna.

The 2024-2025 PORDIR on Religion and Reconciliation will address geopolitical events and their effects though the perspective of religion and the spirit of reconciliation—particularly with respect to intergenerational views, including personal experiences. Participants will hear national and international experts and representatives from religions, academia, politics, and the private sector. All are invited to address the questions, How do women and men, young and old, and diverse members of faith communities (or communities of no particular faith) respond to trauma and injustice? and How can these communities bridge religious and sectarian divides, overcome grievances, and foster constructive and meaningful dialogue, negotiation, and reconciliation? 

PORDIR is open to Princeton University undergraduate and graduate students. Interested participants are asked to submit an application consisting of a cover letter expressing their motivation to join the seminar and possible contributions that the individual applicant could make, as well as a recent CV.  The deadline to submit application materials (emailed to [email protected]) is October 28, 2024.