Theorizing Catholicism in International Relations: An English School Framework

Abstract

This article draws attention to a trend in International Relations (IR) discourse that analyzes aspects of Catholicism through an English School lens. It argues that IR analyzes of aspects of Catholicism should or could be more productively theorized through a two-fold English School framework: (a) religious ideas, customs, and practices underpinning international society; and (b) the preference of the Catholic Church in pluralism versus solidarism English School debates. This framework can, arguably, be used as a tool for future IR investigation of aspects of Catholicism to better understand the influence of Catholic actors in international society.

Keywords:

• Catholicism
• Catholic Church
• Catholic actors
• English School
• IR theory
• religion

Acknowledgments

This article draws upon work from my PhD dissertation, and I would like to thank Professor John A. Rees, my principal supervisor, for his support and guidance. Whilst no funding was used for the purposes of this paper, I am grateful to the University of Notre Dame Australia for receiving scholarships to undertake my doctoral studies.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marianne Rozario

Marianne Rozario is a Lecturer at St. Mary’s University, London and Senior Researcher and Projects Lead at Theos think tank based in Westminster, England. She gained a PhD through the University of Notre Dame Australia. Her research focuses on exploring Catholic agency through an English School lens in the International Relations discourse on religion. She holds an MA(Hons) in International Relations from the University of St. Andrews.