Religion can have an effect on the way a state acts within the international system . Different theoretical perspectives treat it in somewhat different fashion . One dramatic example is the Thirty Years ' War ( 1618 – 48 ) that ravaged much of Europe . Religion is visible as an organizing principle particularly for Islamic states , whereas secularism sits at the other end of the spectrum , with the separation of state and religion being responsible for the liberal international relations theory . Events since the September 11 attacks in the United States , the role of Islam in terrorism , and the strife in the Middle East have made it a major topic . There are many different types of religions . One being Confucianism , which is China 's major world view ( Alexander , 1998 )
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
International relations