Modus Vivendi and Religious Conflict

Abstract

This paper explains and advocates a political theory of modus vivendi, and specifically explores how it might work in the context of problems arising from religious conflicts. The account of modus vivendi that is defended is distinguished both from that of John Rawls and that of John Gray, and is conceived primarily as a matter of bargaining, negotiation and compromise. It is not merely to be understood as a simple reflection of the balance of political forces but a 'pragmatic' approach that mobilises whatever resources are available to effect a workable political settlement that is broadly acceptable to the contending parties. In the final part of the paper the merits of this conception are considered in the context of religious conflicts, with the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland taken as one exemplar of a political theory of modus vivendi in action.