國際關係研究忽視宗教的角色與影響，不過這個情況在過去十年有所改變。杭廷頓的「文明衝突論」將宗教視為後冷戰時期國際衝突的因子，不僅激發學術界與國際政壇的激烈爭辯，也引起國際社會的反思與自省，文明或宗教對於國際關係的影響獲得重視與檢驗。相對於杭廷頓的消極悲觀，際社會積極尋求化解之道，已有一百多年歷史的宗教對話，在時下的爭辯中，獲得新的助力與動力。為了化解「文明衝突論」的宿命，國際社會無論宗教、學術或政治領袖都積極推動不同文明或宗教之間的對話與和解。從文明衝突到宗教對話，象徵宗教逐漸皮視為一股理性平和的力量，過持續的宗教對話機制，塑造普世的和平文化。

The role and impact of religion had long been missing in the study of international relations. The inattention finally ended in the last decade thanks mainly to Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations”, which postulated religion as a major determinant of international conflict in the Post-Cold War era. Huntington’s thesis aroused intense debated and initiated a period of soul searching among all walks of life. The linkage between religion and the international peace was closely examined and inter-religious dialogue was revitalized. In contrast to passiveness and pessimism accentuated in Huntingto’s argument, the international community tried instead to ease any potential tension that may result from civilizational differences and to avert the ‘eventuality’ of clash of civilizations. Leaders around the world, from circles of religion, academe, and politics have been working relentlessly to purse dialogue and understanding. Moving from clash of civilizations to interreligious dialogue, the world has witnessed the shaping of religion as a force of reason and peace. With the benefit of dialogue among religions, a universal culture of peace may soon prevail.