Geopolitical Observatory of Religion

The IRIS Geopolitical Observatory of Religion aims to enhance understanding of the challenges facing the contemporary world through the lens of religious issues in modern societies and on the international stage. Its work focuses on identifying and analysing contemporary crisis points, religious developments in relation to emerging societal challenges, and the role of religious actors in interstate relations, approached from historical, sociological, and political perspectives.

The Observatory is led by François Mabille, an Associate Research Fellow at IRIS, political scientist, and expert in the geopolitics of religion. It is co-managed in collaboration with the International Centre for Research and Decision Support (CIRAD-FIUC).

The Succession of the Dalai Lama: What Are the Geopolitical and Religious Stakes?

Interviews / Asia-Pacific

10 July 2025

The Succession of the Dalai Lama: What Are the Geopolitical and Religious Stakes?

The Vatican and Pope Francis’ Legacy: Is the Path Already Set?

Interviews / Geopolitical Observatory of Religion

30 April 2025

The Vatican and Pope Francis’ Legacy: Is the Path Already Set?

François Mabille

Associate Research Fellow at IRIS, Director of the Geopolitical Observatory of Religion

United States: What Role Does Religion Play in the Presidential Campaign?

Interviews / Geopolitical Observatory of Religion

4 November 2024

United States: What Role Does Religion Play in the Presidential Campaign?

François Mabille

Associate Research Fellow at IRIS, Director of the Geopolitical Observatory of Religion

Blandine Chélini-Pont

University Professor in Contemporary History (International Relations) at Aix-Marseille University, co-author of *Catholics and US Politics after the 2020 Elections: Biden Chases the Swing Vote* with Marie Gayte and Mark Rozell, Palgrave Macmillan (2022).