Interfaith Dialogue in a Polarized World: Challenges, Practices, and Pathways to Global Religious Pluralism

Abstract

In an era defined by geopolitical tensions, rising religious nationalism, digital amplification of hate speech, and the lingering effects of events such as the October 7, 2023 attacks and subsequent global escalations, interfaith dialogue stands as both a contested practice and an indispensable pathway toward global religious pluralism. This article employs a qualitative metasynthesis of 35 peer-reviewed studies and reports published between 2015 and 2026 to systematically examine the challenges, effective practices, and forward-looking pathways of interfaith engagement. Drawing on foundational theories from John Hick’s pluralistic hypothesis and Diana Eck’s pluralism-as-engagement model, alongside emerging critical religious pluralism frameworks, the analysis reveals that polarization—exacerbated by populism, misinformation, and identity-based conflicts—creates formidable theological, political, and structural barriers to authentic dialogue. Yet, evidence from global initiatives, including the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the United Religions Initiative (URI) cooperation circles, and KAICIID’s Dialogue Cities and Fellows programs, demonstrates that grassroots empowerment, issue-focused collaboration on climate justice and refugee support, inclusive youth leadership, and technology-mediated platforms can foster measurable outcomes in bias reduction, violence prevention, and social cohesion. The metasynthesis identifies recurring themes: the necessity of addressing power imbalances without demanding doctrinal consensus, the transformative potential of sustained relational encounters, and the integration of interfaith principles into policy and education. Pathways forward emphasize hybrid elite-grassroots models, critical reflexivity, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, this study argues that authentic interfaith dialogue, when grounded in mutual respect for difference and shared human flourishing, can convert polarization into pluralism—transforming diversity from a source of division into a resource for resilient, just global societies. Recommendations for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers underscore the urgency of scaling evidence-based practices amid accelerating global fragmentation.