Religion, State, and Civil Society: Issues of Interaction

Abstract

The article examines the complex interactions between religion, state, and civil society across three regional contexts: Armenia, Russia, and Western Europe. Through a comparative political science and philosophical approach, the study analyses how historical and legal contexts shape church–state relations, contrasting models of identification, separation, and cooperation. It draws on constitutional provisions, sociological data, and academic literature to explore the roles of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, and various European churches in public life. Results indicate that Armenia’s constitution grants a privileged status to the national church, leading to both collaboration with and opposition to government, while Russia’s quasi‑symphony between the state and “traditional” religions consolidates power but marginalizes other faiths. Western European countries exhibit more secularized societies and diversified models, balancing religious freedom with public oversight. The discussion highlights how these differences influence civil society, secularization, radicalism, and social cohesion. The study concludes that a sustainable relationship between religion, state, and society requires maintaining secular principles while recognizing the positive social capital that religious institutions can contribute