The religious factor in global politics and international relations

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the religious factor as one of the key elements in contemporary processes of global politics and international relations. The author emphasizes that under the conditions of globalization, religion is increasingly becoming an active subject of political interactions, influencing both the formation of foreign policy strategies of individual states and the dynamics of interstate conflicts and peacebuilding processes. Religious institutions and identities are examined in the context of their role in constructing political narratives, legitimizing power, and mobilizing social groups. Particular attention is paid to the Ukrainian context, where the religious factor has acquired special significance in connection with political transformations and Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. The article analyzes the establishment of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine as an important element of state-building and its impact on strengthening national unity and identity. It also examines the practices of instrumentalizing religious themes in hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns against Ukraine. The study is based on an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating analytical tools from religious studies, political science, and international relations theory. It is particularly emphasized that the religious factor can both contribute to the consolidation of the international community and serve as a source of escalating contradictions, which requires a thorough analysis of the specifics of religious worldviews and the models of their interaction in the global environment. In conclusion, the article substantiates the thesis that the religious component must be taken into account in Ukraine’s strategic foreign policy planning, while adhering to the principles of religious freedom and interfaith dialogue. The successful integration of the religious factor into international politics will contribute to the strengthening of state sovereignty, the expansion of international support, and the affirmation of Ukraine as a full-fledged subject of global politics.