FOREIGN POLICY EFFECTS OF THE FACTOR OF RELIGION: THE ROLE OF EVANGELISM IN THE US-ISRAEL RELATIONS DURING THE TRUMP PERIOD

The “religion effect” lost its importance in the international arena as the secularization process in the west had a global impact with the Peace Treaty of Westphalia. With “globalization,” which is seen as the cause of radical changes in international relations, the Westphalian separation of international politics has begun to come to an end and religious influence is on the rise again. Religion goes beyond expectations in international relations and increases its political influence with the effect of democratic environment, technology and globalization. Religion has been one of the most important elements for states, society and individuals to recognize their own identities. Religious beliefs, belief-centered structures and interest groups not only make significant contributions to foreign policy decision-making processes, but also take part in the strategic dimension as well as in the execution of foreign policy. Today, the most striking examples of this are experienced in the “US-Israel Foreign Policy” relationship, which is in the sphere of influence and interest of American Evangelical religious groups. Evangelicals have become an element that can direct the international policies of the country with their increasing political power in the USA. Evangelicals’ relations with Jews, with whom they have established common norms, identities and cultural ties, are also very strong. Particularly, during the period of President Donald Trump, who defines himself as a Protestant and a Presbyterian, concrete developments such as the USA’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and its characterization of Israel as a sovereign country in the Golan Heights have become indicators of Evangelical foreign political power. This article aims to investigate the effect of religion in US-Israel relations from a Social Constructivist perspective. © 2022, Muhammed Mustafa KULU. All rights reserved.