Introduction: The Global Rise of Religious Nationalism
Religious nationalism—the fusion of religious and national identities—has been shaping political and social landscapes across the world. The latest Pew Research Center survey (January 28, 2025) examines religious nationalism in 36 countries, revealing critical trends on its prevalence, influence on laws, and political implications.
While some feared a rise in religious extremism, the survey brings hopeful news: extremist nationalists remain a small percentage of the population, with most people embracing moderate or secular views.
This article explores the key findings of the Pew survey, addressing the relationship between religious nationalism, political shifts, and national identity.
Religious Nationalism: Key Findings from the Pew Survey
1. How Prevalent is Religious Nationalism?
According to Pew Research, religious nationalism is more common in middle-income countries than in high-income nations. However, in no country surveyed does religious nationalism form a majority. This suggests that while religious nationalism exists globally, it remains a minority ideology.
2. Religion and National Laws: Who Supports Religious Influence?
One of the most striking findings from the survey is the divide in opinions on religious influence over national laws:
- India: 57% of Hindus believe Hindu teachings should significantly influence India’s laws, compared to 26% of Indian Muslims.
- Globally: People who belong to the historically dominant religion in their country are more likely to support religious influence in lawmaking.
- Left vs. Right: Individuals on the political right are more likely to prioritize religious texts over democratic processes than those on the left.
3. Religious Nationalism and Political Shifts: The U.S. Case
The Pew survey raises an interesting question regarding Donald Trump’s increased popular vote count in the 2024 U.S. elections:
“Trump won 3,059,799 more popular votes in 2024 than he did in 2020 and 14,299,293 more than in 2016. Who are these voters? Religious nationalists or another demographic?”
The link between religious nationalism and voter behavior remains a crucial area for further research.
4. National Identity: Religion vs. Language and Birthplace
Pew Research also examined what people believe defines true national belonging. Across 36 surveyed countries, the results showed:
- Language is the most important factor for national identity.
- Being born in a country is less important than speaking the national language.
- Religion ranks as the least significant factor in determining whether someone “truly belongs” in a nation.
This data suggests that while religious nationalism is a political force, it does not define national identity for most people.
Country-Specific Trends in Religious Nationalism
1. Israel: A Pre-October 7 Perspective
The survey includes data from Israel, but it was collected before October 7, 2024. Given the major geopolitical shifts since then, these findings provide a baseline for understanding religious nationalism in Israel before recent conflicts.
2. Turkey: The Shift Toward Religious Conservatism
Turkey has seen a rise in Islamic nationalism, with the government emphasizing religious identity in its policies. This marks a departure from the country’s secularist past.
3. Russia: Orthodox Christianity and Nationalism
Russia’s government and the Russian Orthodox Church have become increasingly intertwined, promoting nationalism based on religious identity. This has influenced policies on freedom of speech, LGBTQ+ rights, and political dissent.
4. Brazil: The Political Power of Evangelical Christians
In Brazil, evangelical Christian groups have played a significant role in electing conservative leaders, influencing policies on social and moral issues.
5. China: State-Controlled Religious Nationalism
Unlike other nations where religious nationalism is grassroots-driven, China’s government enforces state-controlled religious identity, restricting religious freedoms that conflict with Communist Party ideology.
Challenges and Implications of Religious Nationalism
While religious nationalism can unite certain groups, it also presents challenges:
- Threats to Secular Governance – Laws influenced by religious beliefs can lead to discrimination against minority groups.
- Potential for Political Polarization – Societies may become divided along religious lines.
- Influence on Human Rights – Countries with strong religious nationalism may restrict freedom of speech, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality.
Can Societies Balance Religion and Nationalism?
There are ways to balance religious identity with national unity while preserving democratic values:
Strengthen Secular Institutions
Governments should ensure that religious beliefs do not override constitutional laws.
Encourage Interfaith Dialogue
Promoting interreligious discussions can reduce misunderstandings and tensions.
Protect Minority Rights
Anti-discrimination laws should be enforced to prevent religious nationalism from marginalizing minority communities.
Promote Inclusive Nationalism
A form of nationalism that celebrates diversity rather than excluding non-majority religious groups can help foster unity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is religious nationalism?
Religious nationalism is the belief that a country’s identity and laws should be based on a particular religion.
2. Which countries have the highest levels of religious nationalism?
The Pew survey found that religious nationalism is more common in middle-income nations like India, Turkey, and Brazil, but is less prevalent in high-income countries.
3. How does religious nationalism affect laws?
In countries with strong religious nationalism, religious texts may influence constitutional laws, sometimes taking precedence over democratic principles.
4. Is religious nationalism the same as religious extremism?
Not necessarily. While some religious nationalists hold extremist views, the Pew survey suggests that extremist religious nationalists remain a small minority.
5. Does religious nationalism impact elections?
Yes. In many countries, religious nationalist groups support political parties and candidates that align with their beliefs, influencing election outcomes.
6. Why is language considered more important than religion for national identity?
According to Pew Research, most people believe that speaking the national language is more critical for national identity than being part of the majority religion.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Religious Nationalism
The Pew Research Center’s 2025 survey provides a comprehensive look at religious nationalism worldwide. While it remains a minority ideology, its influence on law, politics, and identity cannot be ignored.
Going forward, societies must find a balance between religious identity and national unity to prevent division and promote coexistence.
For further insights, read the full Pew Research report:
Comparing Levels of Religious Nationalism Around the World