The Influence Of Religious Interest Group On U.S. Foreign Policy

At present, more than 2 billion people believe in different religions, which shows that the study of religions can not only promote the communication and understanding of human beings but also improve the relations among nations and peoples. However, the conflicts created by religions among countries, tribes or groups frequently occur, which leads to the existence of barriers, conflicts or even hatred. Therefore, as modern people, it's impossible to completely understand human beings, its civilizations and the nature of International relations without understanding its religions.The United States is a country with dense religious atmosphere. According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2004 that about 41% of Americans attend religious activities once a week at least, which show religion is the main carrier of American traditional value and forms an indispensable part of American culture. The research of religions is a vital category in the American research field. Without realizing the influences of religion, it's hard to understand the thinking and behavioral pattern of American people.Since the founding of the United States the influences of religions on people's thinking have been fundamental. The functions or influences lie not only in the moral level, but also in so many other areas like the foreign policy, which cannot be ignored. The research of the influences of religion on American foreign policy can help to know the American society and also offer reference to the development of religions in China.