
War on Sacred Grounds
Ron E. Hassner(Author)
Cornell University Press
2nd Edition
Published on 15. May 2025
Book
Hardback
258 pages
978-1-5017-8014-1 (ISBN)
Description
In War on Sacred Grounds, Ron E. Hassner investigates the causes and properties of struggles over sites that are both venerated and contested, and proposes ways for managing these disputes. Holy places can create the potential for clashes, not only between competing religious groups but also between religious groups and secular actors. Hassner illustrates this complex, violent dynamic through a series of case studies, including the conflict over Jerusalem and competing Hindu and Muslim claims over Ayodhya. He also analyses successful compromises that reduced conflict in Jerusalem in 1967 and in Mecca in 1979. In this updated edition of War on Sacred Grounds, Hassner reevaluates his findings and conclusions and surveys ongoing conflicts over holy sites.
Reviews / Votes
An important and engaging work. Ron E. Hassner approaches the topic of sacred turf with refreshing new insights and perspectives.(Middle East Journal) War on Sacred Grounds is a tour de force. It is, quite simply, the best book on religion and war I have read.
(Journal of Peace Research) An illuminating work that takes religious beliefs seriously while placing them within the context of strategic political action. It provides comparative politics with theoretical insights on a highly salient issue, supported by a rich and nuanced treatment of historical examples.
(Comparative Political Studies)
More details
Series
Edition
updated edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Ithaca
United States
Edition type
New edition
Product notice
Paper over boards
Illustrations
14 b&w halftones - 14 Halftones, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 155 mm
Weight
907 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5017-8014-1 (9781501780141)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Ron E. Hassner
War on Sacred Grounds
E-Book
05/2025
2nd Edition
Cornell University Press
€21.49
Available for download
Person
Ron Hassner is the Chancellor's Professor of Political Science and Helen Diller Family Chair in Israel Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. His books include Religion on the Battlefield and Anatomy of Torture. He was recognized as a distinguished scholar of religion and politics by both the American Political Science Association and the International Studies Association.