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HISTORY

HISTORY

Established in 1998 by Dr. Douglas Johnston, the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD) was founded to bridge religious considerations with global peacebuilding policy and practice

Dr. Johnston’s pioneering works—Religion, the Missing Dimension of Statecraft, Faith-based Diplomacy: Trumping Realpolitik, and Religion, Terror, and Error: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Challenge of Spiritual Engagement—shaped the guiding principles of ICRD’s approach.

These works underscore a transformative truth: religious considerations are not obstacles to diplomacy but powerful assets in preventing and resolving conflicts. 

Established in 1998 by Dr. Douglas Johnston, the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD) was founded to bridge religious considerations with global peacebuilding policy and practice

Dr. Johnston’s pioneering works—Religion, the Missing Dimension of Statecraft, Faith-based Diplomacy: Trumping Realpolitik, and Religion, Terror, and Error: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Challenge of Spiritual Engagement—shaped the guiding principles of ICRD’s approach.

These works underscore a transformative truth: religious considerations are not obstacles to diplomacy but powerful assets in preventing and resolving conflicts. 

Our mission has taken us to every corner of the globe.

ICRD’s reach extends far beyond individual countries or single-faith contexts. Since 1998, we have conducted over 90 distinct programs and diplomatic efforts across the world, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Kashmir, Mali, Myanmar, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Sudan, Yemen, the United States, and more.

Each pin on the map represents more than just a program—they represent stories of hope, dialogue, and collaboration. By fostering mutual understanding and respect across cultural and religious divides, ICRD’s impact has reached into conflict zones and post-conflict societies alike, providing tools for long-term stability.

As we advance, ICRD remains dedicated to broadening its impact by empowering women of faith, fostering youth leadership, and addressing the unique challenges of marginalized communities.

Continuing Our Legacy

Under the leadership of Martine Miller, ICRD continues to evolve, guided by our core mission and values. As we look to the future, we remain focused on addressing contemporary global challenges by integrating religious perspectives into peacebuilding efforts.

We are committed to furthering our vision of a world where faith and diplomacy go hand-in-hand, where peace is built on a foundation of understanding, and where reconciliation transforms lives.

Martine at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok for an interfaith fellowship, 2017.

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