RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND US PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Although the United States has had its own problems with religion-based intolerance, in comparison with much of the rest of the world America's religion-related legal and societal institutions can be proudly displayed to global publics as examples of US national character. Yet despite possessing this valuable soft power asset, US policymakers have tended to be reluctant to put it to use as part of public diplomacy efforts. Official reticence about religion stems largely from failure to fully understand the fundamental constitutional principle of separation of church and state. Inhibitions about using religious freedom as a central element of American foreign policy should be overcome.